Where's Elijah??

Not really, Elijah's not in there, but if he could figure out a way to get in, I'm sure he would. And in case you're curious to know what's in our fridge, here it all is, like an open book - how embarassing! But I had to post it because this is one of Elijah's favorite places to play. As soon as the door opens, his refrigerator radar (I guess that could be called a "refrigeradar" - ha) goes off and no matter where he is in the house, he comes as quickly as his little hands and knees can take him, hoping to make it before the door shuts. And he loads up the shelves with whatever he can find. Did you spot a few things that don't belong? These were the treasures he left, and this time, he even had a little help from big brother, which is how the green ball got all the way on the top shelf!

And here he is, getting caught in the act.

Garden Update...

We have WATERMELONS (or some kind of melon)!!! I am so excited!! Aren't the flowers beautiful! I usually go out and water in the afternoon and was concerend because all of the flowers had been closing up. But one morning, I went out early in the morning to water and was so pleasantly surprised to see all of these beautiful flowers open and taking in the morning sun!

This was our first watermelon to start growing, so I am going to take pictures of it often, as it changes shape and size. Jaden is excitedly watching it grow and change, and can't wait to eat it! I thought it'd be fun to print all of the pictures for him to put in order and make a little memory book of his watermelon plant!

Here it is on June 19th:

And again on June 21st! It's growing so fast!

*UPDATE*

June 25:

What Is A Dad?

"A Dad is a person

Who is loving and kind,

And often he knows

What you have on your mind.

He's someone who listens,

Suggests, and defends.

A dad can be one

Of your very best friends!

He's proud of your triumphs,

But when things go wrong,

A dad can be patient

And helpful and strong.

In all that you do,

A dad's love plays a part.

There's always a place for him

Deep in your heart.

And each year that passes

You're even more glad,

More grateful and proud

Just to call him your dad!

Thank you, Dad...

For listening and caring,

For giving and sharing,

But, especially, for just being you!"

Happy Father's Day to our wonderful dads!

And I do mean WONDERFUL! We have some truly incredible Dad's and Grandpa's in our lives and are so blessed for the closeness that we all share. Both Sam and I have incredible Dads who have become even more incredible Grandpas to our boys. It's truly a precious thing to watch your own dad become completely wrapped around the fingers of someone so small. They would do anything for their grandchildren and Jaden and Elijah are so blessed to be so loved!

They were also blessed to have know their Great-Grandpa (my Grandpa); to experience his love, laughter, and silliness; and to have shared many wonderful memories with him before he passed away in March. In my eyes, he was a perfect picture of love, family, and values and I look forward to sharing all of those with my boys.

And Jaden and Elijah are truly blessed to be celebrating this Father's Day with a Dad who is truly one-of-a-kind! Sam loves and cherishes his role as "daddy" and he shows that each and ever day. He is so in love with these two little guys and would do anything to make them happy, hear them giggle, and see them smile. And they love him just as much! It brings me so much joy to see the relationship the boys' have with their daddy, because too often today it seems like the ever-important dads are absent in the lives of their children; and even if they are physically "there," their hearts are often missing from the job. And heart is a requirement! And so is tickling; playing every kind of ball that there is; being totally hands-on; watching Saturday morning cartoons; teaching how to use a hammer; letting the boys play with a baby doll if they want to; reading stories; riding in daddy's truck; hunting for bugs; not minding messes, but teaching how to clean them up; setting a shining example; teaching respect, patience, and love; loving no matter what; and being a superhero, to name a few! Jaden and Elijah are so lucky, their daddy has all of the qualifications, and many, many more! Happy Father's Day!

Here's some of my favorite father-son pictures from the past year...

Dear Daddy...

I made this perfect gift to share with you today,

It's one of a kind and very unique,

Yet it changes everyday.

It can hold on tight and wave goodbye,

It can even say hello.

It's a part of me that will grow to be

Like Daddy's when I'm old.

I give you my handprints that I painted just for you today.

It's my way of saying "I Love You,"

Each and every day.

Love,

Jaden and Elijah

First Dentist Appointment

Just after Elijah's first birthday, he had his first dentist appointment! Jaden is always the best client/patient, whether he's getting a haircut or at a doctor's appointment. And for Elijah's first dentist appointment, he definitely came in a close second! I wasn't sure what to expect from him, but he was so good! The dentist couldn't believe it, especially specializing in children's dental care, I think they automatically brace themselves for the top-of-the-lungs scream. You know, the type where you have to say "breathe, baby, breathe." But not Elijah! He was happy as could be, especially when he got to use the BIG toothbrush to brush the doggy's teeth! Jaden loved that part too, along with getting to sit in the big-kid exam chair!

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary...

How does our garden grow?

With soil and sun,

Lots of love,

And a little guy who helps water each day.

We decided to plant a little garden this spring! I admittedly don't know a whole lot about gardening, but the important part was doing it as a family, while providing a wonderful learning opportunity for Jaden - and what 3 year old doesn't love digging in the dirt! I have no idea what fruits/vegetables grow best in our area, or even what amount of space is needed. So we did what we could to bring a little garden into our even littler backyard. We prepared a 4-foot area and planted a few of our favorites - watermelon, honeydew melon, peas, green beans, and carrots...yes, all in a 4-foot space! I figured it was worth a shot! And much to my surprise and excitement, our garden has made lots of progress over the last month and a half! Here are some of the pictures of our growing garden...

End of April: Planting our garden. Jaden was so excited to have his own gardening gloves and tools, and althought a bit big, you would have thought he was a real working farmer! He was a little disappointed that there wasn't enough room to drive a tractor around on our little "farm."

Mid-May: Our garden has sprouted! I regret that I forgot to label the rows, so it will eventually be a surprise to find out what is what!

Today: Beautiful Garden! Our little garden is growing like crazy (with the exception of one of the rows, which has yet to sprout)! The melon flowers are starting to bloom, and after pollinated, our watermelons and honeydew melons will start to form (so for now, there are lots of bees hanging out in the garden)!

Stay tuned for garden updates...

Project Playroom!

Now that I am off for the summer, let the summer projects begin! I decided that am going to redo the playroom and spruce it up a little. I am going to move some of the toys into storage, get rid of some of the shelving, hopefully get some new shelving (if not, then paint the ones we've got), paint one of the walls, and get some new fun stuff...on a budget, mind you! Here are some playroom pictures that have insired me!

Love the yellow wall color, alphabet decals, and chalkboard wall stickers. (Land of Nod)

Love everything about this room! I want to find a similar world map wall hanging that isn't as expensive. I found floor cushions like these on Etsy for half the price! I love love love the rug and combination of colors. Might even make a pape chain! (Land of Nod)

This is the color that I want to do the playrom shelving...I think. (Land of Nod)

Love the three hanging art boards. (Pottery Barn Kids)

I am torn betwee painting the wall yellow or green like this. I have lots of black picture frames with white mats and white furniture and love the way this looks. (Bungalow Insanity)

I love this blue tree! I have been looking for tree wall decals and have found some similar ones. I also love the blue couch, star accents, and combination of colors.

I am going to try to recreate a version of the hanging candelier using paper lanters instead. We'll see! I also really like the bulletin board that is above the shelves. (Pottery Barn Kids)

Shoud be fun! I have one little helper already ready to start painting!

I Spy...

Jaden is recently very into playing "I Spy." He wants to play in the car, at restaurants, at the grocery store, and even at home. I think it's great becasue he practices color recognition and vocabulary. However, he tends to play like it a little like Tuke and Rutt in the movie Brother Bear. Here's a recent version of one of our games.

J: "I spy something....green."
Me: "The tree?"
J: "Yep! Your turn."

Me: "I spy something red."
J: "The car?"
Me: "No, try again."
J: "The red light?"
Me: "Yes, you got it, your turn!"

J: "I spy something...green."
Me: "That building?"
J: "Nope."
M: "The trees?"
J: "Yep! Your turn."

Me: "I spy something blue."
J: "The sky?"
Me: "Yes! Your turn."

J: "I spy something..green."
Me: "The . . . t r e e s??"
J: "Yep! You got it!"

Such a silly little guy! I think it's so adorable when kids are first learning the concept of these games! He's also attempting "Knock knock" jokes recently. Pretty much goes the same way as his "I Spy" games, except it's always a potato at his door. Don't ask me why!