A Lifetime of Friendship

Ok, so they're only two. We started getting together once a week when our kids were just a few months (some just a few weeks) old. Now they are full blown toddlers, and we just embrace the chaos! There are 7 moms, 7 toddlers, and 5 new babies. Our time together is always an adventure full of laughter, sometimes a few tears, and healthy does of learning to share:o) It's such fun to be together!!

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Chesson made this ice cream cone and is sharing it with Moses.

The next generation of playgroup.

Kinsley is looking for her favorite flower, and Chesson is going to pick it for her.

Anna Corbin 4 1/2 months

Here is a long overdue update on Anna Corbin. She is absolutely adorable, and I'm sure we couldn't love her any more! She is a very happy, very laid back baby. She sleeps like a champ. 12 hours at night and during the day she takes two naps that are usually two hours each. Sometimes longer. A couple of weeks ago Corbin and I decided it was time to let her cry it out at night. So, I read her a book, swaddled her up, sang her a song, laid her down --- completely prepared for the crying --- and she fell asleep. yep, not a peep. Every night isn't like that, but for the most part, she sleeps, and we don't have to do much for her.

She sleeps well, but eating is a whole different ball game. This sweet girl hates to eat. She screams, thrashes, chokes, and refuses to eat. A few weeks ago she went on strike and didn't eat for more than 24 hours. Severe reflux...ahhh - this is familiar to us, but it doesn't really make it easier. The doc told us a couple of weeks ago that she just wasn't eating enough, and off we went to a specialist. Now, when she won't take her bottle, we're supposed to feed her from a cup. That's right - a cup! And, get this....she LOVES it. Seriously. It's a complete mess, but it seems to be working. What a hoot!!

She loves to roll over. This is her most impressive 'trick.'

And she ADORES her big brother.

Diaper Deals...

It's no secret - I love a deal. I hate to pay full price for clothes, groceries, and diapers...especially diapers. In fact, I usually don't pay more than $6 for a jumbo pack. But yesterday, I outdid myself. Corbin was so impressed he told me to take a picture and put it on the blog. So, here it is. 7 packages of diapers. I spent $33 (so, $4.71 each), AND Rite Aid is sending me a $10 gift card. It's kind of sad the sweet satisfaction I feel about saving money. Living with Corbin for 5 years must be rubbing off on me.

Eeeeek!!

Yep, I screamed. But, you can't really blame me. Right there - in the hallway - was a snake. In. My. House!!! I did what any scaredy cat would do ~ 1. I covered it with a clear lid, so I could make sure it didn't get away. 2. I sat Chesson down in front of a cartoon and 3. I called Corbin. He graciously volunteered to come home to rescue me and the kids (I think he was actually excited about it). When he walked in the front door, he was carrying a huge plastic bin, a rather large shovel, and some stakes I used to keep my tomato plants upright. He was ready for action. I was still doing my scaredy cat dance in the kitchen...repeating, "a snake, in the house, we have to move."

When Corbin saw the snake, this was his reaction. Laughter. I suppose, to people who don't mind snakes, he was a fairly little guy. But, I HATE snakes....eww - eww -eww. I was scared, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

We had to have a discussion about what to do with this killer, I mean, little snake. I was thinking this snake has led a fine life, and maybe it's time for him to just say goodbye to this world. But, my husband, being the rational thinker he is, tells me it's not the snake's fault (oh, and he's still laughing at me). I tried to convince Corbin that this snake would surely find it's way back to our house. I mean, he's already done it once. Oddly, Corbin thought I was kidding (I'm really not kidding here - Snakes are a serious matter). Lucky for the snake, Corbin assured me he'd take him way back into the woods and release him there.

True Friends!

A true friend is someone who thinks you're a good egg even though he knows you're slightly cracked! - Bernard Meltzer ~ This quote pretty much sums up our relationship with this sweet family. They know we're a little nutty, and they love us anyway! Life is just more fun when we're with them. We all took a trip to the beach...the first of many I hope...and it was perfect! You know, the easiness that comes when you don't have to 'try?' Ahhh - it just makes my heart smile.

Chesson taking Lillie for a ride.

Lillie and Chesson playing a funny game with the paddles. She liked to drop them, and he liked to pick them up.

We were so proud of ourselves for getting everyone to the table at the same time!!! (Hey, It's important to celebrate the smallest of victories!)

Preschool!

He's only 2, but today it felt like he was all grown up. Chesson proudly wore his new book bag into his classroom, hung it up on the hook, and then found some fun plastic frogs to play with. I left him with a hug and a high five.

----------- When I picked him up, he was pleased to report that he had goldfish and raisins for snack. Of course, snack was the highlight of school!!

The must have 1st day of school photo on the front steps. Check out Anna Corbin sleeping in the back.

I was trying to get him to hold up a one finger for the 1st day of school:o)

His book bag is nearly as big as he is.

Walking into the classroom.

Click....Take a Pic

Diego anyone? -- I cannot stop cartoon songs from constantly running through my head. Sadly, I think they are taking up space in my brain where there might have previously been some useful information. But, that is a post for another day. This post is a play by play of my attempt to get a pic of me and the kiddos. Really, it was just wishful thinking....

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Me: Quick, take a picture before Chesson realizes what's happening.

Chesson: Wait, you're taking my picture? No thanks.

Anna Corbin: What's going on here...

Chesson: I'm outta here.

Anna Corbin: Thank goodness, you were squishing me.

Me: Chesson, please, just one picture with your sister. Please.

Poor kid, as he's trying to get away, he hit the floor. So, as you can see, I put Anna Corbin down and had a snuggle with my little man.

Anna Corbin: Hey! Hey! You two -- What about me?

I actually think this sequence of pictures is better than anything staged! It's a very accurate picture of my life - pure chaos! I love it!