Saturday Surprise

Last Saturday morning we woke to a surprise. Tiff saw it first as she was getting ready to go biking. We snatched Aidan out of his bed to show him and he said 'Wow.' In the field behind our house was a hot air balloon. I mean it was right there. After we showed Aidan from our bedroom window on the second floor we went outside to take a closer look. When we got outside there wasn't only the one in the field but five in all heading south to north. One balloon went by close enough that they said good morning to Aidan and I and we didn't have to yell to say good morning back to them. Here are some pictures and a video from the event.

Here is the first balloon. Objects in this picture are closer than they appear.

These three were behind the first one.

The checkered one had the people who said hello to us.

Here they are making their exit.

We've got a really big show tonight...

Well not a big show, but big news. No, no, no. No new babies. I am realizing that we have made a huge decision for our family and we really haven't announced it to everyone through our blog. We keep running into people either in person, on the phone, or via e-mail and we have to explain what changes we will be going through.

After some family budget meetings, pros and cons lists, doubting, excitement, nervousness, and what we hope is thorough planning we have come to a big decision. We feel that this decision is what is best for our family right now and will help us step into roles that we feel we are designed for.

Did you watch the 8 hour finale of The Celebrity Apprentice last night? It was hours of blah blah blah and then at 9:59 Trump announced the winner. Ridiculous. What kind of person would drag on an announcement that people are waiting on the edge of their seats for. I mean really?

Tired of waiting?

What was I talking about... Oh yes, our big news.

We have decided that Tiff will be staying home with the kids. She will finish out this school year and will not return to work after the summer. A lot of factors came into this decision. One of the more pressing was that Aidan has one year before he starts kindergarten and Tiff was really feeling like if she didn't do it now she would feel like she (and Aidan) lost out on time together.

I definitely feel that this wouldn't be possible without the financial strides that we have made since going through Dave Ramsey's course Financial Peace University. I highly recommend it to everyone. It doesn't matter if you are doing well with money or up to your ears in debt, you will get something out of the class. It has been a great blessing to our family and the fact that Tiff and I are on the same page about our finances makes it that much better. Don't be like Congress, don't spend more than you make.

So the plan now is that Tiff is staying home until Asher goes to Kindergarten (4 years), and at that point we will have another family meeting and decide what we are feeling lead to do. I definitely don't want her to think that she has 4 years and then back to the sweat shop. That is a bridge that we will cross later.

Just to let you know she is very excited and nervous at that same time. She has never been a stay-at-home mom so she isn't sure that she will be able to do a good job with our kids. Who wouldn't want a teacher with a master's degree taking care of their kids for free. I know she will do an amazing job just like she has been an amazing mother while holding down a full time job.

Something our pastor said at our church men's retreat a couple of months ago lingers in my head today. "Don't make your wife go to work because you want a lifestyle you don't need." Or something to that effect. So we know we have to come to terms with not buying a bigger house within 4 years, not getting a 37" LCD Flat Screen HDTV (yes I stand in the electronics section at Walmart and dream), not buying a new car within 4 years, and having to be very diligent (and content) with what we have. If my wife feels a greater sense of purpose in doing what God designed her to do none of that stuff matters one bit.

So HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TIFFANY!!!

Mind you this photo was at the end of the day on Sunday and Asher was continuing her week long tour of fuss.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Sometimes I can't believe that God has blessed me with two absolutely beautiful and wonderful children. Thank you both for letting me be your mommy!!! I love you so so so much!!!!

Aidan and Asher enjoying some watermelon.

Here are some recent pictures of them. We have a few from today but they haven't made if off our camera yet. Notice the lack of clothing on my little Texans. It is HOT here!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! I know I can't hug you today but I really really wish I could! I love you so much. Thank you for all you do and have done to help teach me what being a mom is all about. I know your absolute number one favorite thing in the world is your family and we love you so so much! Thanks for loving me unconditionally through all the ups and downs of these past 29 years. You are an awesome mom!!!!! xoxox

Notice my son's face in this picture.... Apparently he doesn't love getting his picture taken.

Mom, you have some big shoes to fill... xoxox

Happy Mother's Day also to everyone who has had a part in shaping mine and my children's lives. I hope today was wonderful!

Thank you Matt for the wonderful lunch you made for your Mom, Grandma, and I today too! It was wonderful. I know not just any man would make asparagus, ham, and cheese crepes, hashbrowns, and coffee cake for his wife. You are one of a kind baby...

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Meme and Grampy's visit

The kids were so excited that Meme and Grampy were coming up for a long weekend visit. Aidan talks to Meme on the phone almost every day, and has been eagerly awaiting a visit! It was a really great weekend. It sure felt a lot longer than a few days because we enjoyed a lot of fun, stress free times together. We even split up and did boy/girl things together which is really cool with one of each!

They arrived late Thursday night and Aidan and I made the trip to the airport. It was very late, but Aidan was a trooper and not at all grouchy! I thought he would fall asleep in the van on the way there but he was way too excited. On the way home he and Meme were total chatterboxes and didn't stop visiting the whole way home!

Thankfully Asher stirred some after we got home and I was able to go get her out of bed for a little cuddle time with Meme and Grampy. She was pretty happy too and went right to Meme and Grampy both without any hesitation.

Meme enjoying cuddling with a very sleepy Asher and an excited Aidan.

The next day Meme and Aidan played in the coffeehouse/fort/pirate ship and had a blast. They had such a sweet time playing together. They loved playing with Aidan's new birthday treasure chest from Grandad and Miss Gerry. They would throw the jewels out of the treasure chest onto the ground to keep the "bad pirates" out. Only the good pirates were allowed into the pirate ship!

Aidan, Meme, and Miss Gerry

Asher also had a great time playing outside. She is actually wearing one of Aidan's shirts and looks super cute!

Dad and Tom catching up in the backyard...

Friday morning we went out to breakfast at one of our all time favorite restaurants, The Monument Cafe in Georgetown. Grandma and Grandpa Moore loved this place and our whole family does too. It is the best and brings back great family memories!

Meme of course loved the bathtime and turned it and lotion time into a big huge laughfest. The kids love baths by Meme!

Friday night the boys went to a Round Rock Express game. They had a great time hanging out together and eating good food. The girls and our family friend Gretchen went to Maki for yummy sushi and then to Whole Foods. In our opinion it was the perfect night, but I bet the boys were glad they didn't have to tag along to that one. Sorry, no pictures! However, the girls ended the night watching the fireworks at Dell Diamond from our top balcony. Meme's animated reaction to the fireworks again had Asher cracking up!

Saturday morning Meme and Grampy had a fun time playing with the kids both inside and out. Some highlights were the sleeping bag hide and seek sessions and playing with Aidan's new scooter from Uncle Rob, Aunt Katy, and Cousin Robby.
I couldn't get them to stop moving long enough to take a picture so it is blurry!




Saturday was party day and went really well! I just love Jungle Java!

Aidan in a grandma sandwich...

After Aidan's party we went to see the Clydesdale horses at Dell Diamond. Actually, all we saw were their butts since it was dinner time and their hay was in the back of their stalls...

Another blog about Easter will be coming soon!!! Here is a preview of Tom's Grandma's eggs in a nest treat that he made with Aidan. They were yummy!

Happy 4th Birthday Aidan!

Happy 4th Birthday son! It has been such a joy being your mommy these past 4 years. You are such a wonderful, sweet, caring, intelligent, loving little boy. Some of my favorite things you do are: Making up lots and lots of songs! I love the ones about your family. You love to rhyme and your songs always sound great. I can't wait until you and sister can do duets! Telling me you love me. It melts my heart everytime you do it, and you say it a lot! I also love it when you say "I love you this much" and you put your hands all the way behind your back. I love it when you are a great big brother to sis and share and help her. You are her favorite person in the world! I love it when you read your books you made in school. You are so smart! I love it when you wrestle around with Daddy. You too are so cute rough housing together. I also love it when you dance all around with me, Daddy, and Sissy in the living room. We all have a blast! You are the best son in the whole world and your entire family loves you so much!

Here are some highlights from your birthday:

Look at those handsome guys!

Aidan loved his new "veenoculors"

Your party at Jungle Java was a blast! That is our new favorite place! Here are some pictures of you playing with your friends and hanging out with family.



It was great that you got to celebrate with Meme and Grampy this year. They really enjoyed seeing you and celebrating with you! Grampy even made you pancakes for breakfast on your birthday!



I am so looking forward to seeing you learn and grow this year! You amaze Daddy and I every day! We love you!!

Done

After snapping this picture I had to separate these two. I don't need a house full of bunny baskets hopping around everywhere.

Preparing for the Easter Bunny...

So after we got home from church and our sushi lunch at Maki (www.maki.us.com), Tiff was talking to her mom about Aidan's Easter basket. Now a while back, probably a year ago, Tiff had asked me to make a replica of her old Easter basket for Aidan. Her basket was going to be passed down to Asher so that left Aidan high and dry and standing there every Easter with his arms full of eggs (which wouldn't really bother him). So today Tiff reminded me that she had asked me to make Aidan a basket. So off I went to my parent's house to use my dad's wood working tools with a quick stop at Home Depot (www.homedepot.com). I think it took me about 3 hours to build the basket. I brought Tiff's with me to be able to use as a reference. It turned out great. Aidan was excited to see it. This evening I started the finishing process by brushing on a blue wash to make it more 'boy' but to try to still show the wood grain. Tomorrow I will finish the bunny face and it should be ready to go. I'm sure there will be some Easter photos on later postings so you can see the finished product.

As you can tell, I hope, Tiff's old basket is on the left and Aidan's new and improved basket is on the right with the devilishly handsome carpenter next to it.

This blog posting was brought to you by The Home Depot. Act now and receive 15% off your online purchase at Home Depot.com by typing in "Matt is awesome" at check out.

*WARNING: The above statement has a high probability of being untrue. In fact it is an out right lie*

Go Aidan!!

I have to brag on Aidan. I was so proud of him tonight. We went to the carnival at Dell Diamond which was a money pit but still a fun time. Aidan and I had seen the Farris Wheel earlier in the week and had talked about going on it. When we got there we bought tickets and Aidan was pretty excited. Unfortunately, when we got in line and he looked up, way up, he no longer wanted to go and instead wanted to go on the flying helicopter ride. After trying a little to change his mind, we decided to go on the helicopter ride after all and Aidan had a blast on it! He was steering and pulling the bar to lift it with a big huge smile on his face the whole time. I was feeling a little sick from the ride, but that one was OK. Asher and Daddy watched us the whole time and Daddy said Asher was letting out huge belly laughs when she saw us go around each time. It was really fun!
Now here is where the bravery comes in. There was this barn ride that went up and then spun and moved all around. It was more for older kids, but Aidan spotted it and wanted to ride it. I thought 2 things would happen: 1 - he would get up the the actual ride and then change his mind and want to do something else or 2 - he would get on and then start crying and want off. Well my amazing son did neither. He rode the whole thing and had a great time! I was so proud of him! He also did not get sick or did not tell us he was feeling sick although I was by that point not feeling to great. It was super fun! My little boy is going to be my partner in all the rides someday and Daddy will be cheering us on from the ground with little sis.
Now after all of this excitement we had a royal meltdown when we got home because of 2 little kids who were up way to late with 1 not having a nap today. Both were screaming, neither wanted to go to sleep, one of those what can you do but kiss 'em goodnight and close the door moments. Within about 2 minutes Aidan was out. Asher on the other hand has been crying and wanting water about every 5 minutes and is doing so right now. Aidan used to want the water a lot too, but he was older when he started this...
Aidan, mommy's so proud of you son. XOXOXO

Spring Break

Tiff and the kids are off this week for Spring Break. So when in Rome; I took off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week as well. We didn't have big plans for anything, just spending time together and doing a few things around the house.


On Monday Tiff took the kids to Jungle Java, an indoor playscape where we are going to have Aidan's birthday. It's a little hard with Asher because she wants to go everywhere brother goes but she could really fall in some places. So Tiff got a good workout being her shadow.

On Tuesday Tiff and the kids played while I was working. She dressed our little leprechauns in green in honor of St. Patrick's Day (after Tiff remembered, so that is why there are 2 different outfits on the kids.) Note that Asher is wearing the same dress as last year, size 6 months, but this time it is a shirt. Asher worked on a little fishing (see the video below), Tiff had her triathlon class that evening so I had the kids running wild (see the second video below), and the kids continued to run wild after she got home (see the third video).

Wednesday was a big day. The kids had their first dentist appointment. Aidan was actually excited about it. We had been talking it up to him for about a month and it paid off. He was a little nervous but in the end did great. The dentist had the kids sit on Tiff's lap and then lean back with their heads in her (the dentist's) lap. She said they both looked good but that we needed to start flossing.

Aidan and Asher after the dentist holding their new toothbrushes.

After the dentist office, Tiff had to take Asher to the doctor to get a shot left over from her well check last week. I took Aidan to the movies to see Bolt, but we didn't stay for the whole thing. He did sit in my lap for most of the movie. While we were at the movies Tiff and Asher went to the store and picked up some flowers to put in the flower beds. When I got home with Aidan, Tiff viciously put me to work digging up grass for two pumpkin plants.

Little Miss Sunshine holding some sunshine.

Asher exercising her green thumb.

Thursday Tiff got up with Asher and they worked on blueberry muffins. She had made "dirt" with Aidan the day before, so it was Asher's turn to cook. The difference between the two when it comes to cooking is that Aidan likes to help for short amounts of time, but then he usually skates out early and does not like to get his hands dirty. Miss Asher wants to do everything, even crack the messy eggs! She helps until the very end too which Tiff said was really cute. When Aidan and I got up we all went outside and watered the new flowers that Tiff planted the day before. For the rest of the day we all hung out together playing and having fun.

More fishing.

So here it is Thursday night and the countdown to Monday begins. I think baking cookies are the big plans for tomorrow. I'm sure there will be a few more pictures to share when all is said and done. Enjoy what's left of Spring Break.

Saturday Morning Playtime

Asher looking fierce while demonstrating her patent headlock technique on two of her favorite things, her lamb and new doggy that Grampy picked out for her.

I sent Tiff off on a lavish (not really) shopping spree, which left me to tend to the curmudgeons on my own. So far the kids have been good. They have been playing with their toys instead of getting into things they shouldn't be getting into.

Here are a couple of videos of their playtime.

Mr. Chatterbox

Happy 30th Birthday Matt!!!!!! You look better than every and I love you so so much!!

Also, happy birthday Grampy! I still think it is neat that Tom and Matt share a birthday...

We celebrated this weekend with a stay at a bed in breakfast in Austin, The Mansion on Judges Hill which was wonderful. Then we had cake and ice cream this evening. It was a fun weekend. When we picked the kids up from Grandma's house, Aidan literally talked the entire way home, which is at least 25 minutes. He comes across shy at school sometimes, but man does he have you all fooled!!

It is so entertaining to just listen to what he has to say. It cracks us up!

Here are some cute things Aidan has said lately:

"I love carrots. I chow on those carrots!"

"Can I have a drink of water please? I have a thirsty infection." (This came shortly after we were talking about Asher having an eye infection.)

Aidan -"Grandma did your dog die?"
Grandma Buss - "Yes Aidan, she did."
Aidan - "Did she go to heaven?
Grandma - "Yes, all dogs go to heaven."
Aidan - "I don't have that movie..."

Asher can now say: agua, cracker, and get down (to Fonzie when he is begging). At home she is pretty chatty, maybe not as much as Aidan was, but she is making noises and saying her words all the time. Miss Claudia asked us if she is talking at home. I of course told her yes. I guess at daycare she just takes it all in. She can understand all of the commands in Spanish and follows directions really well, but isn't talking there. It's neat to see how she is learning Spanish like Aidan did and says agua but hasn't yet said water.

Another thing we learned this weekend is that Asher is just like Aidan in that she doesn't like attention on her. She was saying or doing something, I can't remember which, and I clapped and looked at her. She threw down her little lamb and gave me a face that said, don't look at me mom! That is so Aidan....

I love you both and love to watch you unfold! You bring Daddy and I so much joy!!

Adventures in Fatherhood

So yesterday I had President's Day off and had the kids with me all day. This can still be a little unnerving to me since I'm not too used to it, but we usually have fun. Our plans were pretty limited. We were going to visit Great-grandma while she played the piano at the Georgetown Hospital, and then we had to stop by Academy to exchange some things for Tiff. And do this by lunch to meet Tiff at home.

Asher woke up around 7:15 just after Tiff left and Aidan slept in until 8:30 which is great for him. They were both in good spirits and ate their breakfasts well. If anything breakfast has always been the one meal that they will eat.

We got to the hospital a little later than I wanted to and Aidan was playing shy. Aidan and I sat in a chair with Asher in the stroller near the piano. Great-grandma was happy to see them and played Aidan's favorite "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" when we got there. It took him a little while but he finally moved over to the piano and would hit a key here and there while Great-grandma was playing. Asher snacked on some raisins that I brought. She was more interested in the food then the music. We were there for about 45 minutes until the natives started getting restless.

We got through Academy fine and got Tiff her swimsuit and goggles for the triathlon that she is doing in June. She will be sooooo excited that I brought this up. We got home before Tiff, and I started to get lunch ready while the kids played. We all ate together and then Tiff had to go back to work. I laid Asher down for her nap, she has not been going to sleep well for the last 2 weeks. Aidan and I read a book and then started to dose on our bed. He eventually gave me that 'I want to go get into my bed' look. So we got up and tried to sneak into his room with Asher sleeping. She was asleep but as I tucked him in she woke up and was ready to go. There was no convincing her it was nap time. I laid her down and left the room. Well she proceeded to talk and play and jump around in her crib. And when she got tired of that she decided to hit the walls. So she would bang! bang! on one wall then bang! bang! on her crib and then bang! bang! on the other wall. It was so hard that I thought some pictures in the hall might fall off the wall. So I went in there to talk to her, and poor Aidan was laying there with a 'I'm tired and I can't get to sleep because my sister is going bonkers' look. I again laid Asher down and left the room.

Since I couldn't do anything else I decided to move along with my plans for the day. I wanted to get some fertilizer down and check the lawn sprinklers while the kids were 'napping.' I got all that done and was finishing up in the backyard when I heard Aidan screaming through the window in his room. I rushed inside, ran up the stairs, and into his room to find Aidan screaming (and I mean screaming) "MY BLANKETS BROKEN!!!!" He was sitting there with his comforter blanket in his hands that had come un-tucked from the end of the bed. For whatever reason he thought that it was broken. And with all the screaming I look over at Asher and she is fast asleep. Not even stirring while her brother screams at the top of his lungs. Remember I could hear Aidan from the backyard!

Well needless to say Aidan was done with his nap so he came down stairs with me and got to watch a little TV before Tiff got home. I had to wake Asher up so she didn't sleep too late. Maybe if she had gone to sleep when she was supposed to it wouldn't have been an issue. The rest of the evening was pretty normal; dinner, bath, bedtime.

Today was funny though. Tiff had left for her first triathlon class, again did I mention she is doing a triathlon in June, and I was with the kids until Grandma got there then I would leave to go to small group. I was talking to Aidan reminding him that tomorrow was Tiff's birthday. His response was "And I don't have to go to school." I explained to him that Tiff and I had to go to work and he and Asher had to go the school. Fast forward to when I get home that night and go up and say good night to him, and he asks me "but if we got to school how can we have mommy's birthday?" So I gave him the schedule; when we wake up we tell her 'Happy Birthday,' and we sing to her. "And give her spankings!" adds Aidan. The smile was a little too big when he said that. Then we had to go to school where I would pick him up to go to the store so he could pick out her birthday gift (yes on her birthday - sue me). Finally we would have Mommy's birthday. With a smile and satisfaction in the plan he settled down for bed.

Spending these times with the kids are moments that I cherish since I know a day will come (just like me to my parents - teenagers oih!) when they don't want anything to do with me. Until then I will be fixing broken blankets and holding mommy while Aidan gives her her birthday spankings.

Heart Day the Buss Way

Asher with her card from Great-Grandma Gus that looks a little too much like her.

Matt and I had a great Valentine's Day. It's fun to think about how our Valentine's celebrations have changed over the 10 years we have been together. In the beginning, we were both working every Valentine's Day waiting tables and wishing we could celebrate. When we got real jobs, there were a couple of years when we actually went out, once to Hudson's on the Bend, and spent money we didn't have, but pretended we did. It was fun to go out to a fancy dinner, buy each other gifts, and even flowers. Once kids came along, we stopped going out to dinner and instead Matt made me dinner each year. He has made steak, shrimp, fondue, stuffed tomatoes, wonderful salads, and bought vanilla ice cream with chocolate hearts to name a few. He has even created menus of what that nights meal will include. It has always been very special. This year we are still trying to get out of debt, so we decided not to do actual presents. We did cards, as we always do, and then decided to make 5 coupons for each other. Matt was so creative and even drew a cute picture on each one using Aidan's markers, and then made an actual perforated "coupon" that detached from the sheet using an exacto knife. To others that may seem silly, but to me that just reminds me of how thoughtful and wonderful my husband is and how he is very creative. So, back to this Valentine's Day...

Since this was the first year that Aidan actually is getting the holiday stuff, we celebrated with the kids by having a bag with some goodies for each and a huge singing card. After breakfast we got ready and decorated some gingerbread cookies with frosting and red and pink sprinkles (Aidan picked gingerbread due to learning about the gingerbread man at school) and delivered them to Great Grandma Buss and Grandma and Grandpa Buss in Georgetown. Aidan loves "playing" the piano at Great Grandma's house. After naps and dinner for the kids, as well as a trip to the store for Matt, we put the kids to bed around 8. Then we finally started our Valentine's Day...

Aidan and Asher at Great Grandma's

Earlier, Matt had cooked some crab cakes and served them with a homemade cocktail sauce while I was feeding the kids so I wouldn't be starving. First we exchanged our cards and coupons. This will now be a Buss family Valentine's Day tradition. It is what it is all about! We made the coupons for things we knew the other would really appreciate. One of mine was to clean out both cars for Matt, and one of his was to bring me lunch up at school. They were thoughtful and really fun and best of all FREE! I loved it! Then together we prepared this awesome chicken Parmesan with fresh mozzarella cheese and kalamata olives. It was wonderful! We ate our yummy dinner in the living room and watched Definitely Maybe, a really great movie loaned to us by my brother Jake, the movie guru. I actually stayed awake for the WHOLE movie, which is actually a miracle. It was a really great night, and the kids actually went to bed pretty well and stayed asleep once we laid them down which was huge! We discovered today that Asher is cutting all 4 of her canine teeth, which explains the past week and a half of very fussy baby and bedtime struggles.

In closing, I love my husband. I love not having to do some fancy schmancy Valentine's Day thing. To us it is special being low key, yet very thoughtful, and having a fun night together. Hope you all had a great heart day too...

XOXOX

A Funny Little Prayer

Aidan has been saying he is scared to go to sleep sometimes. I really think it is more of I don't want to go to sleep, and this is me trying to buy more time, but who knows. I tell him Jesus is always with him, and he doesn't need to be scared. So this is how our little prayer went the other night:

Mom: "Jesus, please help Aidan go to sleep and help him have sweet dreams about chocolate and Momma (he always says he is going to dream about momma, and he gets a huge smile on his face when I mention the chocolate).

Aidan: "And pray for Jesus to make a light."

I love how kids are just to the point. Love you Aidan, and yes, he has a nightlight! :)

We're Expecting!!!

We are expecting a new addition to our family pretty soon. We are not sure if it is going to be a boy or girl, and we don't know what the name will be yet. Aidan and Asher are very excited.

That's right, we are going through the process to adopt a golden retriever from Gold Ribbon Rescue here in Austin. So pretty soon we will have the new addition of a golden retriever to add to our family. We sent in our application about a month ago, had the phone interview, and had the home visit last Saturday. Asher will be so happy when she gets a big dog to play with. The lady that did the home visit brought a 4 year old male of hers named Jake. Betty tried to play but wasn't sure how, Fonzie did what he does and ignored everyone, Aidan was excited but spent more time playing by himself, and Asher was excited too but reluctant to pet the dog.

We are looking for a 2 to 4 (maybe 6) year old dog. There is no preference to male or female. The dog has to be great with little kids and other dogs. I am really hoping that the dog will really connect with Asher and that they have a great bond.

Now we are just waiting to here from the matchmakers to talk about the exact kind of golden that we are looking for. Then when we think we have one all of us, including the dogs, go and visit the foster home to see the dog. If we want to adopt the dog and it is in Austin then we have to wait until the next day. If the dog is in San Antonio then we have to leave the foster house for a little while before we can take the dog home. They do this so you don't get all wrapped up in the emotion and the big brown doggy eyes staring at you. In the end the foster parents make the decision. We will keep you guys updated at we continue with this process.

By the way, the picture above is Tiffany pregnant with our first, Aidan. It seems like it was a lifetime ago.

Separated at Birth?

Check out these two pictures. Aidan has way too much hair on his head, and it reminded me of Eric from 'That 70's Show.' The picture of Aidan probably doesn't do it justice. He is getting a haircut this afternoon.

Funny Phrases of the Day

Well, my kids have made me laugh and smile many many times today. Here are a few highlights:

"Mommy, would you like it if I hugged you twenty-one hundred times? (Are you learning that in school??)

While reading his school books - "This is a period. It means it's all done!"

Then when he went to bed, Aidan said he need to show me something. Bedtime has been a little hard lately, with lots of drinks and whining from both kids, but not tonight. He pulled the corners of his mouth and made a huge funny face! Then he wanted to show Daddy. I'll take funny faces any night. What a great way to end the day!

Aidan, you are such a cutie patootie! xoxox

Ashie is now saying duckie and doggie pretty well. She was cracking up tonight "walking" the dog which really meant her holding the leash and me holding it a little higher up. She thought she was tough stuff! Aidan walked and ran Betty like a pro!

Daddy is the Best!

As I posted earlier, Daddy is at a men's retreat. While he is away, I have to take this time to brag on what a wonderful husband and father he is.

When I came home, ALL of the laundry was done, and not just done but put away as well. We had ALOT of laundry and were a little behind in doing it.

He had washed all of our sheets and remade the beds.

He knew Aidan would be sleeping in our bed, so he put Aidan's pillow there, along with his binky bear, tubby bear, and little bunny. He didn't just toss them on the bead either - he laid binky on the pillow and the others right next to it.

He folded Asher's blanket into a triangle (I think he was showing off with this :) and laid her pink binky bear on her little pillow.

The dishes were all washed, the kitchen cleaned, and the counters wiped off.

He had also gone to the store a couple of days ago and bought groceries for us and was even excited about these cute new little tator tots for the kids.

I am so so blessed to have the best husband in the world who is the best father in the world to Aidan and Asher.

I love you honey...

Hannah Montana

Last night Daddy went on a men's retreat with church. The kids and doggies were both very well behaved. Aidan and I slept in Mommy and Daddy's bed and we watched cartoons together until about 9:00 when Mommy was falling asleep. We even ate cereal in bed as a snack. It was fun! Betty slept with us too and only hopped down once at about 7:00 to go outside. Asher got up at 8:30 this morning and helped me make blueberry muffins for breakfast. Aidan slept until 9:30! That may be a new record for him. When he woke up we ate breakfast and then watched cartoons. Here is where Hannah Montana comes in...

A show came on that showed Hannah Montana on stage singing a song. Aidan then said, "Hannah Montana looks like Meme!" Was it the long blond hair, the tie die outfit, the energy?

I hope and pray that when I am a grandma, my grandchild will think I look like Hannah Montana!! You Go Mom!!

Aidan and Asher with Hannah Montana, also know as Meme...

Later in the day I decided to take the kids to Jungle Java, a new play place for kids. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera. Darn it! The kids had a blast climbing around and playing on the slides. Aidan's favorite was the huge treehouse and Asher's favorite was going down the big slides with brother. They were super cute together! We will have to go again with Daddy and let him climb all over and play while I take pictures.

Aidan gets some homework...

That's right our 3 year old had homework tonight. He had to practice reading some books that he made at school. We sat down on the couch tonight before bed time and he read through both of them twice. Here are the two books.

I do have to say we have been very blessed to have people that take such good care of Aidan. First Miss Claudia did an exceptional job from when he was a baby to 3 years old, and he learned so much when he was at her daycare. Now he has 3 amazing teacher's Miss A, Miss Coker, and Miss Mackie (in alphabetical order as to show no bias) that do such a great job with him and his quarks. I dropped him off this morning at school and he was throwing a fit. I had to go so I set him down and he flopped on the floor. Miss Coker looked down at him and said, "we'll ease into it," meaning they were going to give him some time to get into a mood to participate in class with the other kids. I laughed to myself and thought 'perfect.' I know how difficult he can be sometimes and they are very patient and understanding with him. For that matter the entire class that they teach of teacher's kids and kids with special needs. I know that I couldn't do it so kudos to them (and to all teachers, especially my wife, for that matter).