Funny Gabriel Day...

In and amongst my crazy day of painting, lots of emailing, house work, and taking care of the kiddos, Gabriel had a few quotes that were quite humorous.

#1 As we were eating breakfast this morning Gabriel informs me,

"Michael doesn't understand me. That's what babies do, they get bigger and understand people."

So profound for a nearly four-year-old.

#2 Then while we were deciding about what to have for dinner. Gabriel decides that he would like to have cinnamon waffles for dinner. I said that sounded very good and cheesy scrambled eggs and vanilla yogurt would go really well with that, and Gabriel completely agreed. He says with much enthusiasm,

"Oooo...this is going to be the best dinner ever!"

#3 Then tonight as I was tucking him into bed I leaned over and gave him a hug. He quickly pulled back and exclaimed,

"Oooo, Mommy, you stink! Go take a bath!"

I explained to him that I had some more painting to do, but I would do that right away as soon as I was done. I leaned in for one more hug and once again...

"Mommy, no! You stink!"

So I settled for a kiss instead. I completely agreed with the kid though...Its nice to know that he wouldn't let me get away with being stinky!


So, my son is 3 going on 14! How quickly they grow up and how fun it is to watch it happen.

We are so excited for Daddy to be coming home in about a month and a half! He can then, finally, experience his two precious sons.

We love you Daddy! Come home safe and soon!

Mommy's Rules, Lesson 2

With Lesson 1 of Mommy's Rules underway...What not to touch in the house...I can begin Lesson 2...Let Mommy get her sleep.

So, I am awake before 7:00am, listening to the frustrated whines of Michael. I am teaching him that in this house...you stay in bed, preferrably asleep, until at least 7:00. That seems to be the magic number for me. I taught Gabriel the same thing around this age. It takes a few mornings of half awake whining, and then they seem to get the hint. With Gabriel I used to bring him in bed with me before that time and we would sleep for another couple of hours sometimes. But then, he would just call for me earlier and earlier in the night until it was 3:00am and he wanted me to come get him! I am not doing that this time...I don't function well with kids sleeping in my bed. It works for some people, but I am not one of those. Its okay on occasion, but if it happens too often then I start losing too much sleep. I'm too concerned about smothering them that I never get into a deep sleep, and then I am crabby. So, anyway, he's been at it now for about 30 min...but he still is so tired that his eyes are closed while he's crying. I sure hope he just gives it up and goes back to sleep!

Its 7:00 now and he's ramping up again...so maybe I'll go save him from his bed. Ah, the perils of having a pre-toddler.

Cool Big Boy Stuff, Lesson 1

This morning I was here at my kitchen table enjoying a freshly made latte and listening to a podcast, when I noticed a lack of noise coming from the living room. Gabriel and Michael had been happily playing there with their mass of toys, and I no longer heard playing noises. I walk around to the stairs and there I find Michael 4 stairs up with Gabriel coaching him and praising him to climb higher!!! Gabriel says, "Mommy, look what I teached him! He can go up the stairs now!" I calmly, but quickly, removed Michael from the stairs and told Gabriel that he is such a good big brother and that I am proud of him for teaching Michael something...BUT, Michael CANNOT go up the stairs without me right there to help! It was quite a cute moment, actually. So begins Professor Gabriel's ongoing lessons in cool big boy stuff with Michael as the primary pupil! Lord, have mercy!

Post Vacation Wrap-Up

So, what can I say about a nearly 3 month trip away from home? Wow...what a trip!!! We had so much fun visiting with family. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend so much time with the people that we love. We saw so many great things and the kids were able to experience some things that they may not have otherwise. We are very, very grateful to our family for taking us in and providing a refuge for us during this deployment. Being gone as long as we were and doing the things that we did really helped the time to just fly by! It was great to leave knowing that before we knew it 2 and a half months would be gone. And, man, has it felt that way! So, now we have been home for a little over a week and we are trying to get our lives put back together here at home. Michael is a full-fledged crawler and soon to be, cruiser. So I have had to quickly adapt our home to accomodate his new found skills. We are also in the thick of preparing for Daddy's return. He will be home in about 2 months! We have many things to do before he gets home, that this time, I am sure, will fly by as well. Hopefully now that we are safely home, I can update our blog more often. I'll keep my fingers crossed on that one! :) So, we are on to new adventures now and soon Daddy will be a permanent fixture back at home!!! We can hardly wait!!! Much love to all from Steph and the Boys.

More fun in Nebraska

This slide show brings us to the end of our trip. Go to the website below. Enjoy!

http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery2.php?instanceid=102089059