Where can I get one of those??

Today I asked Chloe what she wanted to get Grandma Jennings for her birthday.

"A Robot Monkey!"

"Really? What does the robot monkey do?"

"Clean her house and wash her clothes."

"Where do we get one of those?"

"At the store."

"What if they don't have one at the store?"

"Daddy can make one."

Well, that solves it. I'll get David started on that right away. While he's at it, I'll have him make me one too. Anyone else? Let me know.

Swingers

Grandpa Jennings recently put up a swing set in their backyard. For about a week grandpa worked hard building this swing. Every time we came over to visit, he was in the back working on it. The first and last time I put Chloe on a swing (since she was in a baby swing) it was at the park and she screamed the whole time. So I was a little worried she was going to hurt some feelings when the swings were complete. You can judge for your self how she felt exactly about the whole thing.By the uncontrollable laughter and screaming (this time with happiness) I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. She absolutely LOVES those swings.
And did Tyler enjoy them?I'd say so. He could hardly breathe he was laughing so hard. So thank you Grandpa for your hard work. I think it was well worth it. They are a BIG hit.
Even the Big kids enjoyed them.

4th of July

I realize this is a little late for the festivities, but what do you do? Chloe and Tyler loved the big fireworks. Chloe said they looked like a big bouncy ball, a sippy cup (figures), and an alligator. After the City fireworks, we had our own show. As usual, David brought out his artillery. That's always his favorite part. It was a really fun night with the family to celebrate what a wonderful country we live in and the freedoms we enjoy.This is Chloe sporting her blue, yes, blue lip gloss. She is very happy about it, as you can tell. At least it's perfect for the fourth of July.This is Keyan, his grandpa, and Tyler. Grandma Jennings got a blanket and pillow for the little girls to enjoy while watching the festivities. They never really held still long enough to really lay down on it, but I think they had fun with it anyway.My little girl doesn't look so little in this picture (if you take away the binkie and sippy cup of course). I can't stand it!! Time goes by way too fast.




Cutie Claire enjoying the show.And now for the finale...

The hidden blessings of parenthood

The other day I was exhausted. It was 100+ degrees and I had been out running errands. I got home very ready for a nap (Yeah, like that ever happens.) I knew I could get Tyler to sleep. So I started with him. We did our nap time routine and I laid him down in his crib. I turned on Peter Pan for Chloe and got her sippy cup so at least I knew she would be happy. I laid down on the couch to shut my eyes if for even a couple of minutes. That's when I heard Tyler cry. Usually, Ty is easy to get to sleep, so I got up grudgingly and tried again. And again right as I laid down he starts screaming. I know what you mom's are saying right now, "Just let him fuss for a while." I tell myself the same thing, but I after about five minutes, I have to get up to try again. This went on for about an hour and the last time I thought, Okay, if he gets up again, I'll give up my dream of getting a nap. So I laid him down and quickly tip-toed out of the room and quickly laid down on the couch. Chloe would lay down with me for a few minutes than get up again, but despite that, I finally dozed off. Ten minutes later the phone rings and I wake up quickly. I whisper to Chloe who was laying next to me at that point to stay there and I would be right back. I answer the phone and quickly hang up. That's when I noticed that Chloe was asleep. I can't remember the last time she snuggled up to me on her own and fall asleep with me. And even though it was only for a few minutes, I was really surprised. I found my self frustrated with the caller who interrupted my rare nap with Chloe. It was also rare that both kids were both asleep at the same
time for a nap So I left her and crawled in my own bed for a nap. I kid you not, 15 minutes later I wake up to Tyler crying. I couldn't believe that after all this time, I never was able to feel like I got enough rest for myself. Newton's law was in full force at my house that afternoon. So I dragged myself out of bed and got Tyler up. I could tell he was still really sleepy, so I was going to try to get him back to sleep. I held him in the rocker in their room. As I sat there and rocked Tyler, he snuggled right up to me not fully falling back to sleep. Tyler turned his head and looked up at me and that's when it hit me, ( I know, I'm slow). How lucky am I? I already know that I have two great kids, but it isn't very often that I get to cuddle with both of them calmly and separately. I suddenly felt very rested and relaxed. I sat there and rocked sleepy Ty for a long time. I got the think about what the future holds for both Chloe and Tyler and what I hoped for them and imagined what they would be like as they got older. A frustrating, tiring afternoon turned into such a blessing. I am so blessed to have such beautiful, healthy, children. A sweet, hard-working husband who loves us enough to make sure I can stay home and raise our children. When I finally did get up from rocking Tyler and Chloe woke up from her nap, I felt so much more rested and refreshed than I ever am after a rare nap.

Kisses, tissue paper, and other birthday happenings

On Grandpa Jennings birthday the other day we went over for the festivities. Tyler, Chloe and Claire all enjoyed playing together. Claire really wanted to give Tyler kisses. Unfortunately, Tyler just wasn't ready to return the sentiment for any girl (other than his mommy and grandma). So Claire would try to corner Ty and he would crawl as fast as he could to me with a look of panic on his face. Poor Claire.

And who can resist such a cutie!!

Here are a few more pics of the three cousins playing together.

I think this video is self explanatory.
And in case that wasn't enough...
Grandpa loved having his grandkids all around him helping him with presents and cake. And I think they enjoyed helping.Happy Birthday Grandpa!!

A few ramdom pictures 2

Chloe climbed in daddy's pajama drawer and said she was taking a bath.


Tyler Loves the piano. I am hoping we can keep his interest in it and music through the years to come. He can't resist playing any piano.