Proof that kids keep you humble.

James was less than thrilled with our run this morning.

He did great, as usual, the first 15 or so minutes. Then it happened. The next hour-plus, my happy James-bug who loves to go for "stwower wides" turned into the monster-crankster. Dun, Dun, Dun....

I tried talking to him, showing him interesting things, spanking him, hugging him, praying for him, praising Nate for being such a good boy, ignoring him.... giving him more blankets, giving him less blankets, sitting him up, laying him down, hat on, hat off, cup, no cup, toy, no toy, Nate's toy..... Until finally I embraced my "humility-building" pill. I cranked up the sermon on my ipod and gave everyone who passed us a big shrug and helloooo! I'm sure they all thought I was the worst mother ever....

It's moments like these (that feel like hours and hours), that I'm reminded not to assume things about other parents or their children. Always think the best about their situation because I'll probably be in their same spot someday....

Here's the happier James I know!

This is what we did today

Back and forth.

Back and forth.

Back and forth.

Back and forth.

Back and forth.

James turns 2!

We had James' 2nd Birthday party on Thursday night.

Of course, James and Kenley had fun together!

John wanted to be sure I did a home-made-home-decorated cake for James - and in his favorite flavor - yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I'm not sure if that's James' favorite, but I know someone else who enjoys that kind! This cake really looks like frosting threw up all over it. That's ok, I never claimed to be artistic!

Of course. An "implement of destruction". Thanks Uncle Reed & Miss Katie!

I won't go through all the presents, but this one was particularly funny. John started to help James open the top of the wrapping paper and James GASPED as he saw what was in it....

We were in Fred Meyer the day before and around every corner (at least that's what it felt like) they had these Thomas pillow displays set up. James would go crazy! "Mama, Mama, choo choo, mean, Mama, mean mean"........ you get the idea!

Ah yes, another destructive weapon. Thanks babe.

Look very closely at this card. Apparently Grandma got a little behind and James got a "Happy 1st Birthday" card. I guess she's counting on him being a little slow in everything.  ;-)

James was very intense about getting the trains out of the box. There was no real "excitement" per say - it was more like "get these out of here so I can play... right now"!

Apparently Nate was not a part of our family here.

James was thrilled to eat some cake.

Thrilled.

Nate loved the ice cream.

But he's not used to the cold!

James kept playing with his toys well after everyone left!

Dancing with a knife (That goes on the end of the gun. That is now sitting on the window sill in my kitchen. Not sure if I'm ready to teach knife-safety to a 2 year old!) and Thomas.

James had a great birthday!

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us!

James is 2!

Sleepy and kind of confused. I guess it's not every day John and I wake him up yelling "Happy Birthday"!

"TWO!!"

Ready to party. Someday we will mistake this picture for Nate's 1st Birthday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN!

James dressing himself... kind of

I was getting Nate ready this morning and turned around to this......

Note that the shorts are backwards and both feet are sticking out of one leg of the shorts!

I guess he's got the right idea!

Sunday night play

The best solution for a bloody lip

John's safety glasses and some milk!

"It's Sunday"

This post specifically goes out to Brian and Keri - think of it as an anniversary gift from me to you! May you hold hands and watch it with fondness as though it were your wedding video. But funnier.

So, this is a video some guys from church put together for a dinner at church. I just about died laughing. I still do. Enjoy!

We solved the problem.... for today!

If you don't recognize it, this is Nate's "I'm so happy I can't contain myself" smile.

"Are you kidding, I even get to DRIVE?"

And there he goes.....

Forest Park

Last Thursday Keri, Carin and I took the kids to Forest Park. I love this park!

Here are some pictures from the afternoon:

Slight misunderstanding - "James, will you please put your crocks BY the stroller".

And one last picture of cutie Ethan!

What was it called?

The sin-mobile?