just couldn't resist

So, this probably tells you a little bit about my sense of humor - this was randomly found in my kitchen floor, and I tell you what, I couldn't stop laughing. The boys asked why and I just said, oh, mommy's just being silly... With boys, we have enough poop, toot and stinky jokes, laughs and giggles. I thought it best not to encourage the craziness. Ahem. :-). I didn't really want them to know I was cracking up at the thought of Barney pooping on my perfectly mopped kitchen floor. Oh in case you can't tell, that's a grape behind Barney's bootie. Hee hee.

Great Season little Dodgers!

Today was the last game of Jacob's T-ball season. It was supposed to be last night, but the park rescheduled for today due to the heat. Not sure it helped much, because it felt like it was 117 degrees on that T-ball field. But, it was much fun! Jacob has really enjoyed this t-ball thing and I am glad. But not nearly as glad as his daddy - I think being a daddy to little boys who like sports make his heart smile really big.

One of the highlights for the boys is visiting the concession stand for a popsicle - oh boy, I wish we'd never introdued them to that idea this season! Here's Mamaw taking Jacob over to get his spiderman (very messy I might add) popsicle. Little kiddos sure know the right words to get grandparents to do exactly what they want. Sneaky little critters. :-)


Today, little bro got in on the action and it was precious! He asked daddy if he could bat and daddy took him over to ask the coach. She said yes! It was so so so cute.



His smile as he touched home plate was precious.



And Jacob was the beaming proud big bro! Such fun blessings.

Must haves - when you have boys

I have a running list of "goodies" that I have really liked as a mommy of two boys. Here's a few. Leave a comment and add your "must haves" - those things/activities that have made being a mommy to little ones easier.

1. Random Halloween Costumes - oh.my.word. My boys have gotten some SERIOUS mileage out of the various Halloween costumes we've had over the past few years. We still make the 18 month old Pooh costume work when needed. :-) So much fun. Here's a few recent picks of the shenanigans.




2. Can I just say two of everything? Really, it just makes life easier to purchase doubles of stuff - same strollers for Disney World. Same sunglasses. Same sippy cups. Same swim trunks. Same plates and cups. You get the pattern. It also helps feed my need to have them in matching clothes. I know I won't be able to get away with that forever, but until then... match on I say! (see - matching strollers, shirts, sunglasses???) :-)




3. DVD players for the car. Can I get an AMEN on that one? I feel bad for my parents for having to put up with my sister and I all the way to the beach every year.

4. Toy Story miniature figurines - oh man, we've gotten some mileage out of those little things. They are Jonathan's most favorite toys.




5. Crayons. Lots of them (but of course two of every color!) My boys love to color and that's an activity I always pull out when we need some chill time - read, when they are fighting with each other and can't seem to pull it together. wintertime, summertime, anytime, coloring is a hit in my book! Sometimes we even do it right before our night time routine commences.

6. Puzzles. We love love love puzzles in our house. Both boys are very good at them and again, puzzles are a great chill time activity. But, I always take the puzzles out of the original box and keep them in big ziploc baggies. Less space and those boxes get demolished so easy.

what about you guys? What are your go-tos... your must haves?

Happy Birthday to the love of my life (a few days late!) My hubby celebrated birthday number 3-6 on Friday. He is amazing and touches the lives of everyone he meets. In his honor, here's the top ten things I love and admire about my very best friend.
1. He is so very patient and kind. Really - deep down in his innermost being, he is a kind person.
2. He is a wonderful daddy. He takes special time with each of our boys. He worries about them staying safe. He loves to play with them and take them places. He is definitely a REALLY involved daddy.
3. He always makes sure the day to day basic stuff is taken care of... in almost 7 years, I haven't worried one time about our doors being locked at night or the trash taken out. He just does those things. And gets gas in whatever car I'm going to be driving most of the time for me.
4. He takes care of our finances, but includes me as much as I want to be. He balances our checkbook every month and keeps records in order like they are supposed to be. (oddly though, it's my thing to get our tax information ready for filing each spring - weird. we just make a good team!)
5. He always makes sure our bills are paid on time.
6. He works hard at his job - puts his all into it when he's there. He is very good at his job! Judges across the state LOVE him. But I love that when he's home, he's completely home. He leaves work at work and is completely available to me and the boys!
7. He indulges me by watching chic flicks and watching me scrapbook and occasionally plays cards with me.
8. He is oh so helpful in the house. He does the dishes, sweeps the floor and keeps things straight. He hates clutter and I hate dirt, so again, we make a great team.
9. I love that we enjoy the same things in our spare time. We love the same TV shoes (Big Brother, LOST, American Idol). He even secretly likes to watch the Bachelor/ette with me. :-) We genuinely enjoy our time together and it seems so easy and content.
10. He is a leader. Not an "in your face look at me" kind of way, but he is a gentle and quiet leader. He leads our family toward a loving relationship with Jesus and he prayerfully makes decisions for our family. I know I can trust his decisions. I know he has our family's best interest at heart with all decisions he makes.
Happy Birthday Babe! I sure do love you!!!!

D-I-S-N-E-Y W-O-R-L-D!!!!

Definitely the most fun trip I’ve ever taken.

In the words of Jacob “it was the most fun I’ve ever had in my long long life.”

Special time to celebrate my parent’s 40th anniversary

Not a moment of “down time.” We were on the go from 7 am to 10 or 11 pm every day

Everywhere we walked, we were on the look-out for character sightings – the boys’ most favorite thing!

Yellow shoes – oh yes. Mickey Mouse was a hot commodity and we DID get to see him a few times. He wasn’t out and about in the park like some of the other characters, but we did get a couple of great looks and one great picture of him at Animal Kingdom


Wishes can come true! That’s the motto of the park, and I believe it’s true. Disney World does make wishes come true. Every time you turn around, there’s something fascinating to see or do. WOW.

On their best behavior – Jacob and Jonathan were awesome all week – despite being hot, tired and hungry a lot of the week. They were even troopers about taking pictures.

Really special memories were made. We took 450+ pictures (how in the world will I be able to pick to scrapbook?) It was wonderful.

Loved.every.single.second.of.this.trip.

Definitely want to go back. Can’t really afford it in the near future, but no doubt, we’ll be going back at some point. Preferably when both boys are over 44” tall – since several of the rides had height requirements and Jonathan wasn’t quite tall enough.

Memories of my dad!

In honor of Father’s Day, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite memories of my dad. He and my hubby are the two greatest men on earth. These two men are shining lights and I’m so grateful for them!
• My daddy and I used to go on frequent dates when I was growing up. He always drove me to Bowling Green for my gymnastics classes and oboe lessons. We always ate out on those nights – just the two of us. Fun times. I especially remember getting a flat tire on the way to gymnastics one night. I wasn’t scared one bit…. Because I was with my daddy!
• When I was in marching band, we had a group of dads called “podium packing papas.” My dad was the leader of this Motley Crew and NEVER EVER missed one of my competitions. And, when I was field commander my senior year, he made sure HE was the one that properly secured the podium for me. He would even climb up and jump on it to make sure it wouldn’t fall down.
• Maybe too much information, but he often had to go buy “the stuff” we girls needed – now that’s a dedicated daddy! He also bought his fair share of panty hose. God love his heart!
• He once drove like a speed demon to Bardstown to rescue me when my car broke down on the way back from Transy. Seriously –he made a normally 1 ½ hour drive in about 50 minutes.
• He didn’t always “love” vacation time, but when we finally got to our destination, he was super fun. He made jokes at restaurants, drove with the windows down and music loud (to embarrass Carol and I, no doubt) and loved to go on early morning walks on the beach. He also loved to play cards on the balcony – I am a total sucker for any kind of games, so you know I loved this!
• His love language is definitely acts of service. He is amazing! When I was in college, he’d always buy me multiple of my favorite snacks and drinks. He never wanted me to have to go out to the grocery by myself. He’s still like this today – when he comes to our house, he often makes several trips to Walmart or Kroger just because “I noticed you were almost out of ____.” He also has mowed our grass and weed eated on numerous occasions – especially when Billy’s out of town.

And now, I get the pleasure of seeing this amazing dad be an even more amazing Pa to my kiddos. He pours his heart and soul into those boys like you wouldn’t believe. If they want it, they get it. He teases them, they tease him back. He sleeps on the floor right beside Jonathan when the boys go to Cave City – just so he’s not scared. He shows them the ropes – like how to spit outside and how to wear work boots with pride and how to drive a tractor and how real men take their shirts off outside. He even teaches them the value of working hard by getting their help with the garden or cooking or whatever activity he’s doing outside.




Simply put, he’s the best! I love you daddy!!!!

What I learned this week - rope and alligator style

So, my cousin in WVA has been doing this "what I learned this week" post on her blog (www.frominmatestoplaydates.com) for a while and I'm trying to learn how to link to it. When I figure it out, hopefully, ya'll can share all the cool stuff you are learning too!

So, here goes... what I learned this week. Drumroll please:
1. Potty Training is a process. We are almost there, but sometimes it can be so frustrating. Jonathan's routine of holding his stinky until night time is getting really old. But, he does in fact stinky in the potty almost every single night. And I'm proud! It just seems to delay our nighttime routine by 15 minutes. (seriously - just like a man, right??)

2. When he calls me in the bathroom every night, I have learned to expect the unexpected. Tonight, he said, "mommy, come look. I made a rope and an alligator." Oh and let me tell you, he was right. Gross, I know!

3. I bought hopefully my last pack of diapers ever today. He still wears a diaper at night. I almost got pull ups, but they are so much more expensive. Since he's not wearing diapers at all during the day, I think diapers at night okay. Your thoughts?

4. The Target brand diapers are cheaper even after really good coupons for the name brand.

5. Target brand diapers actually work better for us than Huggies. I still like Pampers best though.

6. A slightly strong-willed little man + holding pee pee throughout the day = a rough night. Jonathan cried and cried during the night last night. We finally figured out he was holding his pee pee in. And we made him go (after lots of tears) at (Gulp) 3 am. Geesh.

There you have it... that's what I'm learning this week. What about ya'll?

Goooo Dodgers!

Tonight may have marked the start of a long love affair with the ball park. Jacob had his very first Tee Ball game and ohmyworditwassocute!!!



We had a whole entourage with us - complete with a very special fan with a "little bro" t-shirt for Jonathan with Jacob's number on it.



It was so fun to watch my little man in action. He was so attentive and always asked his coach what to do. He hit the ball really well, too.



Fielding - another story. He (along with all his teammates) ran after the ball and kind of jumped/fell on top of the ball.



The funniest part - Jacob's team was fielding and a little dude from the other team who had just batted was on first base, ran after the ball and caught it - from his own team mate. So very funny. I foresee many more nights at he ball park. I think I see lots of dusty shoes, dirty clothes, dirty faces and sweaty boys in my future. And I can't wait! What fun.

Thanks to all our family and friends who came to the park to cheer on the Dodgers and especially number 5!

Jonathan's big birthday bash - part two

Jonathan has so many people that love and cherish him. His birthday celebration was evidence of that! I was so busy, I didn't get a pic of everyone who came to celebrate, but here's a few!


Mamaw and Papaw



Jonathan and my Aunt Lindy


Grammy and Pa


The Wisleys - such a special family to us. They were the first babysitters for the boys. Even though they haven't watched the boys in several years, there's a very special bond. Seriously, we only see them 3-4 times a year, but each time we do, our boys are SO excited!


Some of our awesome family! (Aunt Kelly and Uncle Shawn in the back too!)


Aunt Carol and Uncle Chris - they got Jonathan's biggest cheese of the day! :)

My big THREE year old

Dear Jonathan,
Holy Catfish (one of your cute sayings)... you are three. I can't believe you are already 3. You are one sweet little boy and you make us so happy. We've had quite the fun party weekend, starting with a little playdate party on Friday morning for you and a few of your little buddies. Then, your family party was on Saturday - a Toy Story theme.


It was tons of fun! At the end, you sweetly said "these are the best presents ever." You were excited with each present and I loved your reactions!



Today, on your "real" birthday, we had a quiet morning at home and then a family cookout at your Uncle Jerry and Aunt Amy's house. It took you about an hour to finally decide to swim, but once you did, you loved it!

You are amazing. Here's some highlights of what's gong on it your life right now:
* You still love Toy Story - you and Daddy have a special thing about saying "dr. Evil
Porkchop

* You ARE potty trained! - well almost! You do great at our house, but sometimes don't like to go pee pee at Mamaw's or Ms. Elsie's. You have started something new. Every night, when we tuck you in, we know that you are going to say "I have to go stinky." And then you get out of bed, go to the potty and proceed to run show me each and every little piece of your "business." Seriously gross, but I'm totally proud of you!
* You are riding your big boy bike like a champ! So cute!
* You really really like to win. Everything is a competition to you. We're working really hard on "being on the same team as your brother." It really makes me sad to see you lose most of the time, since Jacob is naturally faster than you.
* You say "off" when you mean "all." For instance, when you as for food, you say, "I want cheese and applesauce and yogurt and peanut butter and that's off."
* You are a 100% daddy's boy. I mean really, I wish you liked me even a little. :-)


* I love you so much big boy! Happy Happy Happy Birthday!

This man...

Makes me so happy. He is kind and loving and patient (Lord knows he has to be!)and I love him with all my heart. This man is funny and witty and he's my very best friend. He is a very picky eater and he is a great basketball and softball player. He loves to watch sports and somehow knows any and all details about baseball, basketball and football. Goodness, I'm glad he doesn't follow golf, nascar or hockey. :-) He is a loyal friend to those he meets and everyone who meets him instantly likes him. He is very good at his job, but is the first to say that his j-o-b doesn't come first. We do. That's right - he puts God first and then me and the boys. He is a real man, in my opinion. He loves the Lord and chooses to lead our family toward Him. He is the best daddy in the world. Even with two little ones, he makes me feel like a princess every day. He is helpful beyond belief around the house and has changed his fair share of stinky diapers.




I am so blessed to call this man my husband. On May 21, 2005, he became mine forever!!! Last weekend, we went to Myrtle beach (without our kiddos!) for a brief vacation to celebrate our anniversary. We had a blast! We missed Jacob and Jonathan so very very much, but it was a really wonderful time to rest, relax and reconnect... without wiping bottoms or fixing peanut butter sandwiches or getting "tweets" for "Being such a good good boy."



So grateful that Grammy and pa agreed to keep the boys so we could enjoy ourselves. We will definitely be doing that again!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY VERY BEST FRIEND!!!

Wordless Wednesday (more to follow later!)

yep, I was that mom!

Oh gosh - today, I was THAT mom. You know, the one with the screaming toddler out in public? Yeah, that was me. Jonathan and I packed up and went to Lowes today. I wanted to go look at some rugs and I need a few more flowers and a couple of odds and ends. Jonathan got to "ride" on all the tractor mowers. Win-win, right? Ummm not so much. So, I found a rug I liked and went to order in a hallway runner size and the computers suddenly started acting ugly. It was taking a good forever. Jonathan was riding in the buggy - you know the big blue race car ones??? Well, he wanted down. So I let him. Then he wanted back in, only he wanted to "DO IT ALL BY MYSEEF." Oh my sweet goodness, I know ya'll all heard him screaming, even from your living rooms. He couldn't do it himself though, so I (gasp) tried to help him up. Well, the screaming meamie of all tantrums commenced. You would have thought I was killing him. I was getting THOSE looks. The kind that make me want to punch people in the face and say, "what, you've never seen a two year old throw a tantrum before?" And of course, "no, as a matter of fact, I'm not a horrible mommy and my kid doesn't always act like that." And REALLY????? can't you get the stupid computer to work so I can just order my rug and get the heck out????? Oh no, they couldn't. So then they called the ordering manager and the front desk manager. Screaming still in full swing as Jonathan is now buckled in his race car - ticked off. Finally, I said in my kindest voice.. " I'll just get the number of the rug I want and order it from home. We are leaving now." And. I. Walked. Out. Left my shopping cart semi-full of a few things we needed and walked out. Didn't get my flowers and Jonathan didn't get his ride on the tractors. Hmph!

Oh well, here's hoping you are having a tantrum-free day! And if I see you out and your little sweetie throws a little fit, I promise I won't give you one of THOSE looks. :-)


(this is Jonathan's "mad face." I wish today, that's all I'd seen!!!!! :-)

just some stuff rumbling round in my brain...

So, have you ever felt trapped in your own home? I kind of am today. And it's good, I promise. We are getting new floors and carpets installed downstairs TODAY - while I type and the boys are tyring to rest. I say trying, because hello - anyone else been in their house whilst hard wood is being installed? L to the Loud is all I have to say. BUT it will be worth it and I already love it. My house is 12 types of upside down. I couldn't even find my undies this morning. whoops. Should have thought of that when I haphazardly threw all the contents of our dresser into trash bags late last night to move our furniture out of our room. We have to turn them up on their sides to make the crazy angles of our house and everything started to dump out. So I got all "be prepared" and got the trash bags out and stuffed away. Anyway - it's nap time and the boys need some down time. I've been outside all day and I'm dripping with sweat...So we're trapped. But, that's okay. Totally okay. And i'm not really crazy about a stranger being in our house all alone or I'd just pack up and go to the zoo. Oh except that I couldn't because in the midst of the floor installation, an insurance adjuster had to come look at our roof as we've had some leakange with all the rain over the last umpteen weeks. Sheesh. Who needs animals? It's a zoo here at Stover ville.

In other news, mother's day was great. Got to spend some time with my momma and loved being a mommy to my boys. AND, i got to welcome my hubby home from a week long work trip to Phoenix. That was my mother's day present! So glad he's back. Shew. Single parenting is for the birds. I have so much respect for those of you who do the daily grind without a supportive and loving husband. Know that you have my prayers!

And also, we have been working hard on potty training round here. Jonathan is doing great. Most of the time. He's holding it a lot though and that makes me nervous. He holds it all day sometimes. No accidents ever. He just won't go pee. Not everyday, but lots. I worry that he'll get a bladder infection or kidney infection or something. Oh number 2 you ask?? Not much progress there. He usually waits til he has a diaper on at night night time. Not really ready to fight that battle just yet.

Finally, (SORRY FOR THE LONG WINDEDNESS OF THIS POST! -but hey, I'm trapped, remember?) and most important.... PLEASE BE PRAYING FOR MY FRIEND AND FORMER CO-WORKER DAVID. His 7 year old son has a brain tumor and is in surgery at UK hospital at this very moment. Tanner had ben throwing up with no explanation for 3 weeks and last week they did a MRI, which showed a brain tumor. David and Tanner's mother, Ann could use all the prayers they could get. The next few weeks are going to be tough as he recovers from surgery and they have to figure out if the tumor is cancer, etc.

Thanks all! Kind of put things in perspective. My topsy turvy house is nothing compared to what my friend David is goin through.

These Boys...

Made Me:

* Boo -Boo kisser
* bath water checker
* milk pourer
* breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner maker
* bike ride helper
* learning time teacher
* Referee (seriously, I feel like I should wear a black and white striped tee and a whistle all the time!)
* snot wiper
* booger getterer (not a word, I know, except it is at our house!)
* bottom wiper
* book reader
* taxi driver
* story teller
* manners reminderer(again, I know, reminderer is not a word!)
* the retriever - I often have retrieved items from the vents, from the toilet and even down the sink...
* hugger and kisser
* the bed tucker inner
* the middle of the night paci retriever (not anymore, thank the Lord!)

and most of all.... these boys made me MOMMY. I'm so grateful to be their mommy and I wouldn't trade any of my daily mommy chores for anything. They've also made me a more passionate prayer warrior. I pray for them all the time.

And I'm super grateful for my own mom! What a great role model she has been. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! You are amazing!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day weekend to all my special mommas out there. What about ya'll - what are some of your special titles that have been bestowed since becoming a mommy? I love you!

Zoo baby!

I don't know about the rest of you, but on my goodness, to say all the rain we've had in the last month was making me stir to the crazy would be an understatement. So, yesterday, I packed up the boys and we headed to the zoo. Our first trip this year... it was crazy fun and crazy busy!!!! I guess lots of Kentuckians had the same idea. "i know, since it's the first nice day in like 123456433 days, let's go to the zoo." Anyway. We had a blast. The boys' favorite part? The playground and the carousel. Go figure.

Easter Blessings to you!

Who could resist this little bunny?



Or this one??? (yep, he's totally rocking his cowboy boots with basketball shorts. nice.)

Hope your Easter is filled with blessing and reminders of the awesome Jesus that we serve. Oh praise the name of Jesus!!!!

April is...

CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH!!!! So, what are YOU doing to help prevent child abuse? I believe that preventing child abuse is everyone's business. When I used to work for state government, particularly the Division of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence, I felt like I was doing all kinds of things to support the prevention of abuse. I was involved in awesome Public Service Announcement projects and video series that went to teachers about the recognition of child abuse. We hosted live media events in the Capitol and placed pinwheels in local businesses. Good stuff.

Now, almost a year after I left state government (insert hallelujah chorus for my new part time gig here!), I feel like I'm not doing enough. Sure, I work with children and families and I help teach parents what to do if they get "stressed to the max." But what about in my daily life? Am I helping parents enough? Am I praising the hard work of mommies that I know and love? Am I taking care of myself in ways that allow ME to be the best mommy and not lose my cool over frustrating events at my house?

Well, let me take this opportunity to say to all my mommy friends.... YOU ROCK!!! PARENTING IS HARD WORK AND YOU ARE AWESOME! YOU ARE NOT ALONE WHEN YOU FEEL FRUSTRATED AND NO, YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS EVER YELLED AT YOUR SWEET CHILDREN!!!!!! Take some time for yourself. Take some time for your marriage. Support local agencies who work with children who may have bee abused. Pray for the safety of your child and their friends. Sport a nice little blue ribbon on your shirt this month. Those things work together to help stop abuse.

You can also partner with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky on some special activities throughout the state for Child Abuse Awareness Month. www.pcaky.org

Sunny Days, Chasing the Clouds Away

Well, we had a once in a lifetime fun-filled Friday night. We took the boys to see Sesame Street Live - "Elmo's Green Thumb." It was at the Brown Theater in Louisville and was oh so fun. The boys were high-fiving each other on the way there saying "ELMO!" We really enjoyed the show. Jacob's favorite - Oscar the Grouch. Jonathan's favorite? Cookie Monster. It was so funny when they started singing "sunny days, chasing the clouds away..." all the parents in the audience were bringing the house down. I guess we were living vicariously through the kiddos? Ha!

It really was fun. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to do special things like this for our boys. We are blessed beyond imagination. May we never ever take it for granted.

Oh - and as a hint, take cash if you ever go to anything like that! Of course, there's Elmo balloons and binoculars and cotton candy and t-shirts and M&Ms and the list goes on and on. The boys eyes were open to ALL those things of course. We only had enough cash with us for parking, but did manage to find one sales guy selling cotton candy that took debit cards.

Meet our newest cousin

Welcome Lucy May Pickering! She is gorgeous. Proud parents are Josh and Melissa. Melissa is Billy's "baby" cousin. Yeah!!!