October: Danger and Delight

I figure if I'm going to try to keep a blog for our family and I'm not going to keep a detailed scrapbook or baby book I ought to record the funny things my kids are doing.

Caleigh:

• She caught me saying stupid. She called me on saying a bad word, and a few minutes later she said, "It looks like I'm the Mommy now."
• She has learned to read fifteen words, including red, blue, purple, one, two, run, open, circle, oval, a, and the.
• She can draw people with heads, eyes, mouths, L noses, and block bodies. She could go through 100 sheets of paper a day.
• She is doing a better job sitting through big church and has enjoyed going to children's church a few times.
• She told everyone at church that Rusty went to Florida to be a better pastor. (He went to a conference.)
• She went to the circus and decided she wanted to be Kayla, the 6-year-old circus girl. She got to ride the elephant, and when she told anyone about it, she included the fact that Daddy didn't get to ride because he didn't have enough money.
• She has been watching Shirley Temple, so she dances and sings "He's a Dandy" everywhere we go.
• One night without a pull-up ended in two wet beds. Poor Mommy, and I woke up on the couch with her asking, "Mommy, are you still frustrated with me for wetting the bed?"

Elisha:

• New Words: juu for juice, toes, boots, socks, poo-poo, pee-pee, baby, nana for banana and apple and other pieces of fruit, haw-haw for horse
• We noticed his right foot turns in. We're not too worried about it since most kids grow out of it after a year of walking, but we'll ask the doctor at his next visit.
• He is starting to get his 2-year molars, I think. He woke up last night, going, "awww, awww, awww" with his fingers in his mouth.
• He loves to stick out his tongue.
• He pitches fits when sister takes his stuff or doesn't share.
• He dumped a salt shaker in the floor after I had just finished sweeping today.
• He blows kisses, pop noise included.
• He picks at/kisses my belly and says, "baby."
• He has to visit our neighbor's dog every day as if he is going to the zoo. Unfortunately, Buddy, the dog, tries to pee on him every time.
• He likes to clean up more than Caleigh ever has, but he may turn around and dump out what he just cleaned up.
• He has sat on the potty a few times, but nothing has happened. That doesn't mean he hasn't hit the floor few times though.
• He loves raisins.

Elisha trying on his giraffe costume

Caleigh getting ready for Cubbies. She loves it - the bag, vest, and book. She thinks she is so big. She has learned over 5 Bible verses already and hasn't had to sit in the time-out chair.

Another Sunday photo, double toothbrushes, cowboy boots, and Mommy's red belt

I'm a real, live...dog.

Uh-oh...read the next caption.

Can you see the bloody, glued patch on Elisha's head? Caleigh accidentally dropped a fence post on Elisha's head, and we had to take him to the emergency room. He cried about 2 minutes after receiving the injury...until I gave him his milk cup. At the hospital, they glued him up with Dermabond. He was really great expect for the five minutes it took me to wash the blood out of his hair. He hates to be cleaned or dressed. (Side Note: The hospital was slightly creepy. Everyone was wearing masks. They even gave me one since I'm pregnant. The RN consoled me with the fact that the hospital is no more contaminated with germs than Walmart.)

My Birthday and a Half: Eighteen Months

September Silliness

What can I say? We're a silly family....and a happy family (most of the time).

I caught myself asking Rusty if he thought our kids are happy the other day. Of course, we agree that they are happy children, but he pointed out that that might be the wrong question to ask. The fascination with happiness is such a modern idea. It really only sets us up for disappointment, depression... We only hope and pray that our children grow into godly children who desire to please the Lord and who are content in Him. But, we hope that our silliness produces a loving atmosphere that points our children to our loving Father.

Happy Birthday, Granny!

The Langfords: Joseph, Rusty, Elisha, Steve, Granny, and Jess

Lisha a little happier than Uncle Jo

Camp Out: Cole spent the night, so Rusty set up the tent

(in the front yard under the big streetlight at near midnight).

Caleigh made it about 30 minutes, but she thought

it was really cool to have slept in the tent.

Lisha with DoDo: My parents say Lisha's name for Cole is payback for his name for me -

Ca-Ca, or Mexican poop.

Rusty dressed the kids in garbage bags

Lovingly wrestling in Mommy and Daddy's bed first thing in the morning

If you saw my facebook post about glitter...this is the picture to prove it. She dumped it out, spread it all over everything, proceeded to eat it, and ended up pooping the next day.

15 Month Check Up at 16 1/2 Months

Caleigh and I took Elisha to the doctor today for his 15 month check up, even though he is 16 1/2 months old. He weighed 25 pounds and 5 ounces, and he was 31 1/2 inches tall. So, he is in the 25 to 50 percentile for height, and the 50 to 75 percentile for weight. Everything else seemed normal. He walks, runs, and climbs, including the equipment in the doctor's office. He has started feeding himself with fork and spoon, which seemed early to me, and he is learning new words. He isn't learning new words at the same rate Caleigh did. She had a 200+ word vocabulary at 18 months, but I told Elisha I would still love him if he potty trained easier than she has. (I'm just joking....I love him just as he is.) He also had four shots, including his flu shot. Caleigh got hers first and didn't cry, hoping to show Elisha how to be strong and courageous. It didn't work though. He cried, but was happy when he got his green sucker, which made a total mess all over the counter while I checked out. (Side Note: Why do doctor's offices not prepare for mothers with multiple small children? They ask you to fill out paperwork while trying to keep two children from destroying anything, screaming....)

• Words: Bite, Ball, Ma-Ma, Da-Da, Granna, Co-Co, Jo-Jo, Paw Paw, Maw Maw, Pop Pop, Jess, Thank You, Pat, Bock Bock for Chicken, Dog, Wolf, Juw (for Juice), Mouth Some of these words may only be distinguishable to me, but they have the right incantation of English.
• He is learning to point to his body parts, but most often you ask him to touch his eye and he points at his mouth.
• He climbs up on the kitchen table, playground equipment, kiddie table at church, etc...
• He loves to grab the chickens.
• He loves to wrestle with and chase Caleigh.
• He stands at the refrigerator and begs for bites.
• He does a little sucky sound when he wants a drink.

Lake Winnie

Rain. The Big One. And the Reeds. They all almost prevented Geez-Paw from taking Caleigh and Elisha (and Mommy and Daddy) to Lake Winnipesaukee this year, but we finally made this past Saturday. We made it there right before the doors opened and stayed until 4:3o.

In that time, Caleigh got to do everything she could do at least once, including the Tilt-A-Whirl, and Elisha rode a lot as well, even though he was hesitant at first. He actually had to ride a few things before he felt comfortable. He ventured on the Spaceships with Caleigh, without Daddy, and while Caleigh tried to comfort him, he was close to tears. When he made it to all the little cars and boats and motorcycles that have been there, exactly the same, since I was their age, he decided he loved it. He loved driving, and it was adorable to see them ride together.

Expression after two rides

Maybe she was happy to ride Dumbo/Jumbo???

Eating a bracelet and giving a confused, woman-driver look

Caleigh's second favorite ride - the Frog Hopper

Showing off her monkey skills on the playground.

They loved the playgrounds as much as the rides.

Unfortunately drinking from the fountain in the water park

Attempting to tickle each other

A picture to prove that I was there...

even though I couldn't ride anything

but the train since I have a bun in the oven

Lisha conked out.

Grandma, Geez-Paw, Mommy, Daddy, and Caleigh

all were ready to do the same by the time we left.

Sitting in the windowsill

August Moments

Caleigh wearing her new cowboy boots and hat getting ready to go ride Nellie at Uncle Jess's. Don't you like her Eastwood expression.

A little more excited...but she might be ready to draw.

Making a picture to give to Mr. Bert to say "Thank You" for the hair bows and sunglasses

Homemade Martha Stewart Chocolate Chip Cookies - I was so proud of me and Caleigh. I've never made pretty homemade cookies before. Maybe one day I'll really learn to bake, and maybe Caleigh will grow up being able to bake and not just make messes while cooking.

Salsa made with tomatoes and peppers from the garden, but it still isn't like Chili's or a Mexican restaurant's. Anyone have a good recipe?

Caleigh's first braid (I think). Ms. Ashley did it though, not mommy. Caleigh loved going to Ms. Ashley's Beauty Shop during her visit.

What was supposed to be a punishment for Caleigh turned into a picture when Elisha climbed up in the chair with her.

Piled up on the couch

The Flurry Family Visits Cleveland

We were so glad to have Chuck, Ashley, and Karis visit us on their road trip from Texas to Louisville, Kentucky to Cleveland, Tennessee to Arkansas and back to Texas. We hadn't seen them in over two and a half years when they left seminary a semester before we did. Since then, we have both had additions to our families, Elisha and Karis, who will turn 2 next month.

They arrived Tuesday evening and got to enjoy some very healthy (from our garden)/unhealthy (fried) food. Caleigh and Elisha showed them what wonderful children they are. (Much sarcasm.) Caleigh couldn't handle not being the center of attention, and it was also hard for her to have two younger children to have to share with. I'm sure the spanking given didn't equal the number deserved. Yet, Karis was precious, perfectly mannered, only having to defend herself as toys were yanked from her hands.

Wednesday Rusty introduced Chuck to some of his reformed friends while Ashley and I went shopping. Ashley did great and didn't spend any money, but I didn't do so well as I hit up the sales rack at Kolh's. Even though we were in Cleveland, my new hometown, Ashley introduced me to the Jewelry and Handbag Warehouse - really great prices on accessories. Then, despite the rain, we went swimming at the Y. After that, we finally got the kids (and mommies) down for a late nap before church. After church, we went to Panera Bread since the Flurries don't have one back home, and the pictures below show what we did for the rest of the evening - watched the kids run around wildly until 10:30. (Oopps...hope the parenting police don't get us.)

Elisha making a crazy face in the cowboy hat

Karis posing for a picture

Karis hiding behind the balloon

Karis driving Elisha on the scooter

(Unfortunately, my battery died on my camera,

so I didn't get any of the cute pictures of the kids together.)

Caleigh's 3rd Birthday Party

This year we gave Caleigh a low key Strawberry Shortcake birthday party.   We had it at Deer Park, which means I didn't have to clean up before and after, and we just invited the family.  All of her grandparents were there except Geezpaw because he was still recovering from the Big One, and the only great-grandparent was Meme.  I made her Strawberry Cupcakes and Strawberry Shortcakes.   She got everything she wanted - Converse All-Stars - and more - Tag books, clothes, swimsuit, money, big floor mat puzzle, shoes and more shoes.   The only she didn't get were a pair of googles, which we went out and bought that night with some of her birthday money.   She also requested a pinata.  Rusty yet saying he was going to make one, but at 10:00 the night before the party, he realized it would take a little time and decided to buy one. Unfortunately, he misread the label on the Mickey Mouse pinata.  He thought it had candy, but it didn't, so the kids hit it forever for nothing to happen.  They weren't too disappointed though. (The Pritchards were happy, I'm sure, since their kids don't get un-organic candy.)   

Caleigh about to blow out the candles on her cupcakes

Elisha showing off his new walking skills

Caleigh getting excited about getting to open presents. This time around she knew what was going on.  

 

Grandma helping Elisha hit the pinata

Caleigh's super swing at the pinata

Poppy helping Elisha swing the bat.  I believe all of his grandpas are hoping he is the super baseball player, and right now his coordination seems a little better than Caleigh's was at this age.  She is still one of the clumsiest kids ever.  

Some cute (and not so cute) things Caleigh does right now:

• Saying "maybe so" when she means yes.  Ms. Pat at church asked her if she colored the table, and she said, "maybe so."  Another kid also said he did it too, though.  
• Using "very" instead of "really" - "I very like it"
• Pretending to be a dozen different characters each day - Dora, Penny from Rescuers, Diego, Fieval, Lenny from Wonder Pets, and the list goes on.  She doesn't care if they're boys or girls.
• Asking us to guess which character she is
• Telling Elisha "NO"
• Asking for Rusty to get the Bible as soon as we sit down for dinner 
• Deciding she doesn't like to eat most things.   We have to require so many bites and have reverted back to spoon feeding her things she doesn't like.
• Praying for Kylee (and some of her other friends) after supper.  She always ask God  to help her friends feel better and trust and obey.
• Calling her grandparents
• Telling us which songs she wants to listen to on the radio.  A lot of times it depends on whether it is a boy or girl singer.  

Caleigh's Very Special Birthday Day

We started Caleigh's special day for her third birthday with a trip to Build-a-Bear.  Every time we've gone to the mall in the past year we've had to go in browse around in there.  Rusty thought she would enjoy making a bear because he'd enjoyed making one for me so much (haha).  Unfortunately, the lady who helped us wasn't so enthusiastic, but Caleigh still loved it. She picked out a soft, little bear, a Hello Kitty outfit, and the name Isabella, and Isabella sings a Birthday Song.  

Caleigh giving Isabella a bath and brushing her fur

Elisha showing off his walking skills as he attempted to destroy the store.  (We were the only customers, thankfully.)

Next, we went to Chuck E. Cheese.  We had a coupon off the back of the Chuck E. Cheese cheese package, so we got out of there for under 20 bucks.  The kids enjoy the little rides and games, but they haven't figured out that they need more tickets to win bigger prizes, thankfully. Caleigh left with a plastic ring and bracelet.  Who knows what happened to them by the time we made it home.  The only misfortune came with I "let" Elisha fall from a bicycle ride.  He really jumped out of my hands, and he didn't even cry very long.  All the other moms looked at me like I was a horrible parent though.  I guess they thought he would show signs of concussion at any moment.   I wish they only knew that the baby puck is common.  Oh, and the baby puck actually landed on Caleigh's head.  GROSS!!!

Riding in Cinderella's carriage

Big boy driving the monster truck

Caleigh trusting Lisha's driving

We planned to go to the zoo next, leaving Rusty at the hospital to babysit Steve, but Steve got to go home.  We drove to the zoo anyway, but because it was nap time, we decided to drive around, hoping Caleigh would go to sleep too.   We headed to the aquarium to get a brochure and ended up deciding to go because Caleigh was free before she actually turned 3 (instead of paying 13).  We saw fish, sea horses, stingrays, sharks, turtles, macaws, snakes, otters, and much, much more.  Caleigh loved the sharks.  I'm glad she got to see one because she wanted to see one on vacation this year.  She also tried to touch a stingray, but wasn't successful.  When we left the aquarium, she had a chance to play in the water, but we had to leave so we wouldn't get stuck in five o'clock traffic.  We ended the day with dinner at MawMaw's and a trip to Grandma and Geezpaw's to make sure Geezpaw had survived the BIG ONE.  

 

Looking at the Nemo fish (clown fish) 

Riding the escalator with Isabella

Standing in front of the alligators

Playing in the water...somehow she didn't get wet from head to toe...