Read Away

I am so glad that both my boys love to read.

I have read oodles of information on how important

Reading is for these little minds.

Attention Span.Vocabulary.Word Recognition.Imagination.

Creativity.Book Appreciation.READING!

Reuben and Daddy reading together ... so precious

Of course there are many more reasons for babies, toddles,

preschool aged kids and UP to read and be read to!

We make it a daily habit to spend time reading together.

Always before naptime/bedtime,

but also anytime that cuddling with a good book seems right.

We also have a favorite book about family love that Jonah has really taken to.

I'll post about that later ...

But for now - take some time and read if you haven't lately!

Cool Off!

If you know us at all,

You know that we're a household crazy for Popsicles.

Yup, popsicles.

We keep a stash in the freezer at all times.

LOTS during the summer,

And usually still some in the winter!

I try and buy kinds that are semi-healthy for the boys.

Each of us has at least two a day right now while it's hot outside!

It's never easy to get them to look at the camera at the same time ...

Reuben asks for "pa's" more often than anyone - maybe every 1/2 hour?

Jonah wanted lime this time - like Auntie Joy.

Baking Away

Jonah has decided as of late that baking is his new hobby.

This is obviously taking after his mother!

For about the past week,

He has asked nearly every day if we can bake something.

This question seems to come early in the morning,

and sounds so innocent:

"Mommy, how 'bout we make some cookies,

like the kind with chocolate chips in the them?

Or some cake with frosting?"

Oh yes, I say it sounds innocent enough,

because really what this child wants is some serious sugar!

He has a sweet tooth, just like his mom.

But, we have indulged some together.

Our newest passion is Whoopie Pies.

Yes, Whoopies, as we affectionately call them.

I ordered a baking book that is all about them.

Full of delicious recipes for the cake-like cookies and fillings!

We've made one batch, and I'm sure more are to follow!

Last night, though, we were heading over to Grandma's to visit,

And we mixed up some brownies to share.

Of course, someone wanted to be in on the "mix"!

Final Farewell

Today is 'THE' day ...

A Farewell ...

To a beloved "ba ba".

Jonah became attached to pacifiers at Day One.
He loved them.
We loved them.
But, they became his addiction.

Perhaps we should have said goodbye to them long ago,

But Jonah loved to sleep with "ba ba"s,

And we allowed it:
Knowing that eventually they would part.

Today, Jonah was asking for a new Star Wars figure
From Eli's large storehouse packed away.

We told him that he was welcome to pick a new one out,

When he was ready to throw his pacifiers in the trash

(we honestly thought he would immediately retract his wish).

And he said "Okay, I will be a big boy now".

So he and Eli sat on the couch and Eli double checked

Jonah knew what he was doing.

They marched to the garage and threw the last two "ba ba"s away.

Pulled out FOUR new fighter guys.
He chose.
And now ... I pray!

Eli closes at work tonight, and I am praying for sleep to happen,

with as few tears as possible!