Random Update

I just downloaded 16 pictures/videos from my camera. That's a record for me! I usually take lots of pictures, but lately, there's not been too much to document, I guess. The kids, Justin and I have been having fun just being together as a family. Outside is cold and dreary, so we've been industrious inside. We had a routine, of sorts, that we follow, which helps us be somewhat efficient. :) We do pre-school type things: reading lots of books, making crafts, piano and violin lessons, singing, dancing, coloring, cooking and baking, working on projects w/ Daddy, having company, playing indoor basketball, football, and hide-and-go-seek.

The kids have enjoyed making little videos. Our real video camera is broken, but my camera has a video setting, so we've had fun w/ that. I haven't been able to get any of them to upload to blogger, though. :) They like to watch themselves on the computer and think it's hilarious! I got one of William sitting on the potty singing, "I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee"

Today I'm celebrating my 27th birthday. It's so much fun to be able to celebrate it w/ my dear husband and sweet children. The boys left early to go get me a birthday present. The other day, Justin polled the boys on what they should buy Mommy for her birthday. William graciously wanted to give me something that he would want himself: "A Cow" (from Rural King-his favorite store) Samuel, being the practical gift giver, concluded that Mommy needed a new pair of glasses. (which I do, but I've been too tight to go to Walmart and order some frames. I finally gave up on my crooked, taped-together pair, and if I get really desperate, I wear Justin's which are the wrong perscription. I did decide to go in soon and get some ordered. hee) Well, my wish-gift was a new large stockpot...big enough for summer produce creations from the garden. The boys came in w/ two BIG ones at lunchtime! (a 12 qt and a 16 qt--shown w/ us in the picture above)

Above: A few pictures of Madeline and me that we snapped yesterday...

Below: The sleepers--I went on a run and found William sleeping on Justin, when I came back. He isn't always this peaceful...

Look what kind of messes this kid makes! Here he is w/ his masterpiece! I'm deciding I like water paints and brushes much better than finger paints. While I was changing Madeline, I came back 2 seconds later (I had an idea that he might've climbed down and touched all my walls or something) He was standing up in his chair, proud as ever, with a paper towel on his head, or so I thought. It was actually his large cardstock "masterpiece" heavily fingerpainted ON top of his head. This picture doesn't really do William's mess justice. Later that day, Justin was asking me what was on our kitchen walls. "Well, honey...um...paint." (should I even consider getting my paint out to touch-up, or should I just wait till they're grown up?) I had he and Samuel's "pictures" drying on top of the dryer...after many hours of drying, Justin suggested that they would never dry, they had so much paint on them, and weighed about 5 lbs a piece--a magnet would never hold them up, you know. So, I had to quick throw them out, before the boys realized I destroyed their works of art. They make new ones, all the time, so I don't think they were missed. :) Before I sent William to the tub, Justin reminded me to take a picture quick. (sticky fingers were all over, in the meantime--ahh!)

Happy Wednesday!