Then and Now

Today is THE DAY Army Guy returns from the LONGEST DEPLOYMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE EARTH!!! (or maybe... it just seemed that way.) We will pick him up at 8:45 pm and I'll post photos of his return in a few days. But today I thought it would be fun to take a look back at how the Ducklings have changed in 1 1/2 years.

This photo was taken a couple months before Army Guy left for training. Ducklings were 3, 2 and 9 months. I was scared to death about the mere idea of being both mom and dad to these guys for 18 months. It was overwhelming.

This photo was taken last January just about the time Army Guy was finally arriving in Iraq. Huey was 4, Louie 1.5, and Dewey 2.5.


And here are the Ducklings today. Louie is 2.5, Dewey is 3.5, and Huey just turned 5 last week. We made it. The four of us have been through some ups and downs... but we survived and we actually did quite well. These boys are just precious. And even when they flush their jammies down the toilet and then flood the bathroom by flushing over and over.... and over.... (sigh) I STILL enjoy the privilege of being their mama. (but I'm really glad daddy will be here VERY VERY SOON!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. We are truly blessed to be reunited again at Christmas time and we are thankful for each and every one of you who have supported our family while Army Guy was away!

One-Liners, Courtesy of The Ducklings!

This entry might be a little bit of a cop-out... but whatever! I'm running out of good stories without repeating the same thing over and over again. You know... the "Louie-poured-flour all-over-the-floor-and-used-it-to-slip-n-slide-down-the-hallway", kind of thing. That stuff happens around here... it's not always THAT entertaining.

Anyway.... over the years the Ducklings have come up with some one-liners that have just slayed me. So here goes. In no particular order.... quotes from the Ducklings.

Me to Army Guy: "Scoot over and make room for my giant butt".

Huey (from the other room): "THAT'S MY MAMA!!!"

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Huey (from the back of the minivan):"Mommy, can you move your big face so I can see the TomTom"?

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Huey to Mom and Dad (from the back of the minivan): "NO TALKING!"

Mom and Dad: "Okay" (continue talking)

short pause.....................

Huey (spoken like a tired irritated mom):

"I hear talking!" "I think I said NO TALKING!"

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Dewey: "Yo Ho, Yo Ho a Piwates Wife for me!"

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Dewey (singing to the tune of "Where is Thumpkin"):

"Where is Daddy? Where is Daddy?

I don't' know. I don't know.

Wore mus born wore finner. Wore mus born wore finner.

Amen. Amen. (Translated: "You must burn your finger")
(I don't know... I'm just reporting!)

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Huey (to his teacher when put in the time-out chair):

"My mommy does NOT want to hear from you!"

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Huey (to mommy when trying to stay up after bed time).

"But mommy, you're awesome and I just want to hang out with you!"

(ah... sweet! He got to stay up. I know... I'm a sucker!)

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Huey - the next night: (Spoken with wrong body language and tone. Rolling eyes and just saying the words.)
"But you're awesome and I just wanna hang out with you!"
(Ah ha ha ha! Not this time little mister! Nice try!)

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Dewey: "Doe Di Aye Doe Doe"
(It took me 20 minutes to translate that to "Go Diego Go") LOL

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Dewey: "I'm a boy but I DON'T WIKE football... and I DON'T WIKE fredress!!!" (Asparagus)

                                                     *********

Huey (back when he was 3) "Mommy!  Shoke taker honking wake up me! Shoke taker, Mama... Shoke Taker!!!"  Three days later it finally occurred to me he was saying "the smoke detector will honk and wake me up".  lol  I need a degree in 3-year-old linguistics.

Trick or Treat!

I REALLY wanted to dress the boys as Huey, Dewey, and Louie for Halloween!!! How perfect would THAT have been? I could just see it.... My darling boys decked out in little white duck costumes... the mere thought makes me laugh. But NOOOOOOO! These boys would have none of that! (Kill-joys). Instead they insisted on Mario, Luigi and Pooh Bear. Now you might notice a few flaws with this picture. First, the obvious... "but wait... that's not Pooh Bear.. that's BLUE!" Ya... I know. Baby decided to go with last year's "Blue" at the last second. And I mean... the VERY LAST second. Army Guy was actually dressing him when this revelation came. But Army Guy was fast on his toes. He remained flexible and conquered the challenge like a true stay-at-home mom. Ya... he ditched the Pooh Bear Outfit and dug "Blue" out of the closet. $19.95 wasted! Whatever! You gotta do what you gotta do! Hahaha

The second problem with the photo is height. Do you think there is any possible way on EARTH that I could get the short one to be Mario and the tall one to be Luigi??? Not on your life!!! Huey was dead set on Mario. And Dewey was going to be Luigi! End. Of. Story! Hahaha!

So... with our costume challenges overlooked, we sent them off to gather chocolate for their mama (uh... I mean... um... for them). This is the first time Army Guy was around for Halloween and he took them trick-or-treating. They all had a blast! When they returned I thought it was curious that "Baby" had the biggest stash. Army Guy laughed and said "Baby worked the crowd". Apparently, he blew kisses to everyone and had them eating out of his hand. Hmmmm... future politician in my home? Haha!

We had a fun night and it was so great to have Army Guy home to share it with the boys. (we can thank my former gallbladder for that... may it rest in peace!)

Army Wives Rock!!!

Today I devote my blog entry to the awesome-ness that surrounds me... Army Wives! I have always thought Army Wives were cool... but now I am a full blown fan. So here's a shout-out to all those who supported me and sacrificed your precious time during my illness. These are the heroes of my life... I love you all!

Tiffany: Tiffany got a message on her phone that went something like this.... "Tiff... I just dropped my kids at the CDC (Child Development Center) and I am headed to the hospital... I am so sick. (crying) I don't know if I'll be able to pick them up by 5:30, (sobbing) please pick up my kids.... click". Here's the rest of the story. Tiffany arrived at the CDC to discover Dewey had a fever and was vomiting. She took my boys home and cared for them (along with her own 5 children) for two days while I was in the hospital. Tiffany provided a familiar and safe place for my children while they were visibly upset and worried. All the while, Tiffany's first concern was not her own sanity, but the well-being of my children. As others offered to take the children, Tiffany knew they were already upset and scared. She didn't want to subject them to the uncertainty of being cared for by a stranger.

Margaret: When Margaret learned of my illness, she immediately came to the hospital along with her husband, a chaplin, to be with me. Margaret found me an emotional wreck and completely exhausted after being so sick for an entire week and not really sure of what, exactly, was wrong with me. Margaret provided comfort and friendship. She stayed with me for several hours on Friday night, and returned for several more hours on Saturday morning. She lifted my spirits and provided a foundation of strength for me to rest on when I was completely out of my mind with worry and exhaustion.

Meredith: As the current President of PWOC, Meredith organized help and prayer support from the women of PWOC. Meredith kept me company for several hours at the hospital and then returned to my home at 5:30am a week later to watch my children when I finally went in for surgery. She also brought a yummy dinner for that night and organized a schedule of ladies to bring dinner the next few days all the while becoming "communication central" to keep all the ladies informed of my condition.

Peggy and Christa: Brought delicious dinners to my family so my husband would not have to worry about what to feed us during my recovery.

Amy and Jennifer: Provided assistance to Tiffany so she would not lose her mind while caring for 8 children.

Liz and Maria: Were available to help with ZERO notice when I called 911 and was taken to the ER because of chest pains. Liz watched my children and Maria kept me company at the hospital.

The Ladies of PWOC: Prayed. I am convinced it is because of these prayer warriors that the situation turned out perfectly. My husband came home from Iraq, my gallstone passed without medical intervention, and I was released from the hospital in time to enjoy our pre-planned and pre-paid vacation without pain. After the vacation I was able to return for surgery to remove my gallbladder and am now in recovery while my husband is here to care for the children. The situation could not have worked out more perfectly.

My Mom and My Husband: Although not Army Wives, they deserve a shout-out too. When my mother learned I was so sick, she hopped on the next plane and flew across the country (from California) to be here for me. She helped with the kids and gave me exactly what I needed... my mother! It was a quick trip, but she was able to stay until hubby arrived and provided the reassurance that only a mom can give. My husband has been wonderful. His command let him come home from Iraq to help and he has been "mister mom" since he got here. This is exactly what I needed to get me through the next two months of this deployment. Thank you babe, for traveling from the opposite side of the Earth to help me through this.

I wish congress would come up with a medal specifically for Army Wives. They are the strength behind the Army and the ones who tend to the home front so the Army can function. So, until congress comes up with the proper medal, I will offer this... a virtual medal, a huge thank you and a promise to live up to the excellent example you have set. I vow to be a pillar of strength for someone else the next time an emergency arises. I will continue the tradition and do my part to be an Awesome Army Wife too.

Thank you my dear friends. I love you so much!

Ducklings Got a Clubhouse

When Army Guy was home in June, he brought The Ducklings a very special present. A swing set and clubhouse. They love it! The morning after it was installed, Ducklings went out to play and had such a fun time. Army guy kept asking Dewey if he liked it. But Dewey refused to reply. After awhile he finally said, "Don't call me Dewey ever again! My name is Mickey Mouse, because I have a clubhouse!" LOL... Kids are so funny!

Here are a few photos of the boys enjoying the new clubhouse. I've been informed that "girls are NOT allowed". But thankfully, they've given mommy a waiver on occasion!

Louie was NOT about to waste one second getting dressed. He had some slide'n to do!

Huey thinks he was BORN to slide!

Louie has become a professional swinger. (wait.. that doesn't sound right!)

Today the clubhouse is a rocket ship and The Ducklings are set to blast off to the moon. I've been assured there is no need to worry because "there is plenty of dinner on board, mom".

Dewey enjoys sliding with a "poop-free" back-side. YES... IT'S TRUE!!! He is finally potty trained! Fully... For Real! I know... awesome right?

Dewey and  Huey go through a pre-flight check in preparation for their blast-off. (where do they get this stuff?)

This is Dewey...

This is Dewey.

This is Dewey enjoying his new truck.

This is Dewey's truck after Dewey:

• took a wee on the patio
• backed up his truck over the puddle to hide the evidence
• got out and looked under the truck to make sure the spot was, indeed, covered up
• backed up some more to make a final adjustment
• and came inside with an expression that said "WHAT"?

This is me... Imagine me laughing so hard I nearly peed myself. Good thing I didn't, because I don't think backing the minivan into the kitchen is really an option.

Random Thoughts Always Lead to "Poop"

Anyone who knows my kids (and/or reads this blog) understands that the Ducklings are hilarious!!! If they weren't so funny, I would be ready for a straight jacket by now. Just when I'm certain I have totally lost my mind, somebody sticks a "Trix" pebble up their nose, forcing me to focus so I can perform a very tricky "trixotomy" procedure. Delicate surgery is no easy task when you're laughing!

This week Louie used my eye-liner to create fabulous art on the toy room wall. You would think stuff like that would just send me over the edge.... wait.. sometimes it does... but mostly I just have to shake my head and laugh. (and dream about the day when wall art is history and I get to select some creamy, yummy latte-ish color ... sigh) One day! But for now, every wall has a 3-foot high boarder of scribble in crayon, pencil, pen, chalk, dry erase pen, highlighter, eye-liner and lipstick. Oh.. and sticky, chocolate hand prints. Yeah... it's nifty!

Anyway... where was I going with this? Oh yeah... my kids are funny... bla bla bla... lipstick! So, the other day at dinner Dewey made me snort milk with this little prayer.

"Dear Jesus,
pank you dinner and all our bwessings.
And help me go poo poo potty. Amen".

My first thought was "Eeewww... we're having dinner here!" But as I thought about it... while choking on my milk... this prayer completely shut me up. My son is asking JESUS for HELP!!! Aaauuugggghhhhh! I guess I can be patient a little longer! Sigh.

So along those lines... Huey made a very special request of Jesus last night. Apparently he would like Jesus to bring us a big, red dog... like Clifford. Now I'm no expert on dogs, but can you imagine the size of those doggy poops? I've never seen that topic covered on an episode of "Clifford", but I'm guessing it would give me a whole new perspective on my struggles with "poopy boy". Hahaha!

So, what I've learned from these two little prayers is that God has a really great sense of humor. He's gently telling me to be patient a little longer... and thankful my son doesn't have HUGE Clifford sized poops! See.. that's all I needed. Just a little perspective! :o)

Does This Make Me A Soccer Mom?

The boys are attending Jr. Baseball Camp this week. So far they have enjoyed it very much. It's been fun watching them learn to throw, catch, bat, and run the bases. Anyone who has ever watched 3-5 year old baseball understands that it is HILARIOUS! It's so funny to watch 9 preschool aged boys all run for the ball, like it's a race to see who can get it. Then, of course, since EVERYONE is fighting over the ball, there is no one covering first base... and the batter makes a single... EVERY TIME! Actually, when played this way, the game sort of resembles soccer!

Today Huey was introduced to "batting" (with the use of the "T"). I'm not sure if he ever actually made contact with the ball, but he did hit the "T" and the ball tumbled off the pole and rolled about 10 feet. This gave Huey great joy... and filled my heart with pride! "My boy is an athlete", I think to myself. "This is the beginning of what will be a very lucrative career in Major League Baseball". I gaze upon my son with such adoration.... and he looks at me, equally as proud, and says, "MOM... did you see that? Home run! I hit it OUT OF THE PARK!!!" hahahahahhaha.... "yes son, you sure did!" And so it begins....

So, anyway - this is now my role. I have graduated from "chief butt wiper" and am officially a "soccer mom" with the mini van and everything. (Okay... I guess I'm still a butt wiper on occasion. But there is no way I will answer to the title "butt-wiping soccer mom".) Of course, the boys played soccer last week... they hated it and quit after three days... but whatever... I'm still going with "soccer mom".

I am taking my new job as head cheerleader very seriously. I bring the cooler with ice cold water and juice for after practice. I throw in some cheese sticks and grapes for a snack... have the sun-screen and the camp chair ... I cheer and laugh with the other parents... I am doing an excellent job!

However, there have been a few miss-steps along the way. Like yesterday, when we drove 30 minutes to post, piled out of the car and headed for the field in the nick of time only to realize that Dewey was not wearing any shoes. Yep.. in all the commotion of loading the car, preparing breakfast to go, changing a diaper, buckling car-seat belts, etc etc etc... I failed to realize Dewey never did put his shoes on. So I had to think quickly! I took Louie's shoes and gave them to Dewey ... and we all ran to the baseball field. Louie was perfectly happy to be barefoot and Dewey was not the slightest concerned that his shoes were a little snug. Phew... saved by the "mommy tap dance" once again! Hahaha! So maybe that makes my official title "Tap-Dancing-Butt-Wiping-Soccer-Mom... who's kids don't play soccer". :o)

All The Queen's Men

Just thought it would be fun to post a few photos of all my boys over the last couple of years!

All the Queen's Men - 2007

Such a proud Daddy with his three little men!
*Huey: 32 mo. *Dewey: 15 mo. *Louie: 2 mo.
*Army Guy: 492 months

All the Queen's Men - 2008

Triple slide.... perfect!
*Dewey: 27 mo. *Louie: 14 mo. *Huey: 45 mo.
*Army Guy: 504 months
All the Queen's Men - 2009

Daddy is home for Father's Day!
*Dewey: 3 *Louie: 2 *Huey: 4 1/2
*Army Guy: 41 years, 10 months, and 22 days

Happy Birthday Baby!

On July 2 Louie turned two. How can it be that this sweet, sweet, precious baby is now a big kid?

I cannot even comprehend how fast time is flying. Other moms often tell me to just enjoy them now because they will be grown up very soon. And it's so true! That is part of the reason I just follow them with a camera and try to capture the humor in the more aggravating things they do. :o) One day, when I have a perfectly clean house, it will also be very quiet and lonely. So in that perspective... I guess an entire tube of blue toddler toothpaste on the carpet (today's artistic offering from Louie) isn't really so bad.

The following photo was taken at Louie's first party, which was the day before Daddy returned to Iraq from mid-tour leave.

It was also the day that Louie got a buzz cut for the summer. Louie puts up a huge fight in the barber's chair... so mommy had to wait for reinforcements to arrive. It took Daddy and I both to hold him down for the hair cut. Louie was not happy at all... but he seems to be pleased with the result. The good news is, he won't need another haircut for at least 8 months. Yay!

Louie's birthday cake was perfect. At his first party, we all got a cupcake and then we saved the larger cake for the celebration on his actual birthday. Yay Wal-Mart! Genius design!

Louie enjoyed cupcakes again on July 3rd when we celebrated his birthday with friends at the fireworks show. I think he is somewhat confused at all the cupcakes with candles. But hey... what 2-year-old will EVER refuse dessert? He just smiles and goes with it! Ha ha

Louie is a joy... and a complete booger! He provides laughter and frustration; he is curious and inquisitive. Louie needs to understand the world around him and to do this he must touch, taste, climb, draw, create, break, spill and experiment! Those of you who have followed my blog for awhile, know that Louie excels at all of these things. In a nutshell, he is VERY, VERY good at being TWO! And I love him to death.... messes and all!

Happy Birthday my baby boy! Its is a pleasure to be your mommy and I can't wait to see what genius things you do in the future because of your curiosity at an early age! I love you "Biggie".

Daddy Was Here!

June was a busy, wonderful month. Daddy was here for a full two weeks and we had an amazing time. The boys were thrilled to have him around. We were wondering how Louie would react, since he's too little to remember when Army Guy left. But he took to Daddy right away. And boy did those 4 boys have a good time.


Here are a few highlights of daddy's visit:

* We went to the South Carolina Train Museum and took a train ride. The boys got a kick out of that. They also enjoyed walking through old, refurbished trains. It was amazing to see them so interested in museum pieces. These boys just love any train!

* We were blessed with a visit from Grammy. Though her stay was entirely too short, it was really good to see her. The boys always enjoy when grandparents visit.

* Auntie Kelly (with the yellow hair) and all the blond cousins came to visit. It was so good to see them. The boys had a great time with Auntie Kelly and Huey loved playing with Johnny (because Johnny is a "big boy"... he's almost 10!)

* It was amazing timing that Daddy's visit included Father's Day! Yay! Huey and Dewey painted a really cool ceramic airplane... camouflage... orange... of course. (because the U.S. military doesn't have an airplane that will blend well during an inverted sunset fly-over. Brilliantly done boys!)

* Of course the best part of Daddy's visit was just having him here.... just hanging out as a family and enjoying the time. We had lots of lazy days which included wrestling, cuddling and tickling! And I enjoyed watching all four of my boys play and laugh. It was good for the heart.

Army Guy returned to Iraq on June 24th and we have gone back to our "alternate reality". But the good news is we are 2/3 finished with this deployment. Daddy has been gone for one year, and we have only 6 months to go! Yay!

Daddy and Huey during Louie's birthday celebration
(notice the color of cupcake Huey selected?) :o) Daddy and Dewey

Daddy and Louie, the birthday boy.

I Can't Believe I Actually Have to Say This!

I could be wrong... but is it really necessary to verbalize phrases like, "NO!... we do not go pee-pee in the sink."? You'd think that would just be understood. So, when I catch myself actually saying such ridiculously stupid things... I just shake my head and write it down. Below is a list of the more idiotic things I've been forced to say this week.

"No throwing trains over the bridge!"
(this would be the cat-walk over our living room!) So, that's pretty self explanatory right? Well... perhaps I should have been a little more specific. See... I understand that "trains" actually means "every toy you own, in addition to anything you can lift, including your brother". But the ducklings hear "trains" and they think... "so... then I can throw this entire box of Lincoln Logs over the bridge... and maybe all the train TRACKS... as long as no actual trains take a dive". Further... I believe they've actually had a debate over the meaning of the word "train". "Does it include freight cars and passengers cars or are we just talking engines here?"

"NO! You may not go pee-pee on your brother"
I was forced to say this one day when I found Dewey standing in the bathtub... enjoying a good wee on Louie's back, who was happily playing with his tug boat and oblivious to the fact that he was, indeed, being pee'd upon.

"Stop sitting on your brother's head!"Perhaps this is WHY I'm forced to say the stupid things I'm forced to say! Maybe we're getting somewhere here?

"You are not allowed to enter my bedroom for the REST OF YOUR LIVES!"This gem was very loudly spoken (okay.. I screamed it like a raving lunatic) upon the discovery of the ducklings rolling around the room in my comforter and through a pile of Strawberry Quick powder that had been dumped on the carpet in my bedroom. There was strawberry powder wafting in the air and all of the ducklings were covered in a delicious strawberry dust!

"McDonald's is closed today! I know... sad!"
Actually, this might be one of the more brilliant things I've ever said!

"OH ... Look at the clock. The big hand is all the way down. You know what that means..... Yep...BED TIME!"at 5:30pm.... hahahahahaha! Stinks when you can't tell time! (again... another of my more genius phrases!)

"Why? WHY? WWWHHYYYYY???? ... have you painted your entire body with my lipstick?"I've actually lost a total of 6 lipsticks to this sort of artistic expression!

"Mommy is not a jungle gym... and GET OFF ME with that stinky diaper!" can't wait for Army Guy to come home and wrestle with these boys!

"Is there something seriously wrong with you?" This brilliant line of questioning came after a week which included the following:

* 3 strawberry Quick powder "incidents" (yes THREE... on three different days)

* fun with snow angels on a hardwood floor. Except the "snow" in this case was pancake mix.

* a package of Oreo cookie "wafers" discovered with all the cream licked out

* an entire bottle of baby bath soap poured into the sink.... and smeared all over someone's head

* a lovely offering of pine needles thrown onto the kitchen floor as a gift

* lipstick body art (the 6th edition)

* poop art in the bathroom

* the ever favorite cereal dump on the kitchen floor

* a fun game of "lets empty ALL the water from the bathtub onto the bathroom floor"

* a 911 incident because "baby" was missing (found 5 minutes later in the mini-van, having a blast pushing the automatic door button which causes the rear gate to lift and smash into the garage door. ) FUN!

* and an entire gallon of freshly made sun-tea poured onto the kitchen floor because.... HECK, I DON'T KNOW WHY.... That's why I want to have their brains checked out! (yes... ALL of that happened THIS week... and I'm sure there is something I am forgetting!)

Below are a few photos submitted as evidence.

Things That Make You Giggle!

Yesterday was a really busy day. We had lots of errands and we were in the van for a very long time. At some point I verbalized a thought. I didn't realize I had said it out loud until I was well into the following conversation.

ME: "Oh, Mommy has to go pee-pee pretty bad!"

HUEY: "HOLD IT MOMMY!"

ME: "ooohhh... I gotta go....!"

HUEY: "Hold it really, really tight mommy... you can do it!"
ME: "Ok.. I'm trying my best"

DEWEY: "Don't pee-pee pants mommy!"

ME: "OK!"

HUEY: "We should pull over so you can squirt a tree!!!"

ME: "AHAHAHAHAHAHA... (pee a little)... hahahahah......"

Boys are the BEST! And... I'm a little jealous that I'm the only one in the family unable to squirt a tree!

Happy Birthday Dewey

On May 19th, Dewey turned three years old. It's amazing to me how fast three years just flew by. He was just this little bundle with chubby cheeks...

... and now look at him.... a big kid who just cracks me up. He works so hard to keep up with big brother, Huey, and does not want to be grouped with Louie and referred to as "the babies"... he hates it when I say that. He gives me fits with the potty training... but then makes me laugh when he says "I so anry... I not wuv you amore". He's very cuddly, and sweet, sweet, sweet! He's also a major booger! I like to call him "Dewey Jekyll and Dewey Hyde". It fits! But I guess that's just how life is when you're three.

Dewey loves "frawbry milk" (or pink milk), "squirt cheese" on crackers (or.. the squirt cheese he licks from the crackers) and "MaDono's humgers". Tonight, while enjoying an Oreo cookie (or.. the frosting from an Oreo cookie) he asked for "more frosting please" and then was stunned that I could not just deliver more frosting. Ah, the mind of a three-year old. Some other things Dewey enjoys are Mickey Mouse, Thomas the Tank Engine and Blues Clues. Most of all, Dewey likes to spend his days playing trains and must have his Thomas train in his bed before he will even consider sleeping.

To celebrate his birthday, we had a quiet little birthday party complete with the "bouncy house" that grandma sent for Christmas. The boys love it when I pull that out! Dewey enjoyed opening gifts from Mom and Dad, Huey, Auntie Kelli (with the black hair) and grandma. He loves his Mickey Mouse t-shirt and movie and is really looking forward to shopping for a special something with the gift card grandma sent.

Such a big boy... it is a joy to be his mama! And I love watching him grow... though part of me really wants him to stay little a long time! Happy Birthday my sweet Dewey! Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Me Matey Be Somewhat... Odd!

Just a quick update to the pirate pool story.

The boys still love the pirate pool. Mostly, they love to fire the water cannon and run through the water. When Dewey seemed apprehensive about running through the water, I told him it was just like running in the rain. With the word, "rain", I saw a little light bulb click on above Dewey's head. He said... "I be right back!" The child returned wearing his fleece-lined rain jacket and a wool cap because... you know... he might get wet! He then proceeded to play in the water with no worries! I'm just gonna believe that shows brilliant problem solving skills! :o)

Check out Huey in the background! Such focus and determination in manning the cannon!

Me Mateys Be Glad!

I woke up today with this thought... "I must find something for these children to do before I lose my mind". So off we went to Sam's Club. (well... first Walmart, then Target, then Sam's Club!) We had a fun lunch date at Sam's (hot dogs of course) and did a little shopping.

And then we saw it... the mother of all inflatable pools! A super-awesome-triple-waterslide-pool-thingy"! We stood there in awe... all 4 of us! The boys said "COOL" and I thought, "that would totally buy me hours! Oh.. and it's a slide so there is no deep water to worry about." Yeah.. it was "COOL" all the way around! And... it was also $455.00!!! OUCH! I was totally going to pay that! Yes, I'm that desperate to get them outta my kitchen so they'll stop dumping cereal and raisins and crackers and goldfish and chips and popcorn and marshmallows and chocolate chips and yogurt and and and..... all over the floor! But then... Huey saw the $55.00 pirate ship inflatable pool with a water cannon... and decided it was a MUST HAVE! Woo Hooo!... I just saved $400.00! NICE!

So we got home, set up the pirate ship, and the ducklings had a blast the rest of the after noon. They played and hosed each other down and we had a great time. We talked like pirates for hours. Me mateys be glad, indeed! Arrrggggh! (um... a little head's up... don't be offended if Huey calls you a "scurvy dog" next time you talk to him! He means it with love.)

At 6:30pm I finally had to drag them into the house for dinner. After instructions to "take off your wet swim trunks and put on some dry pants", we sat down to dinner. At some point during dinner, I realized Huey and Dewey were butt-naked. NICE! Of course after they finished dinner they were right back outside. This time they be naked pirates... Aarrggg! (sorry... it never gets old) :o)

Anyway... I took a few photos of the best afternoon we've had in a long time. Enjoy!

Captain Dewey at the Helm

Louie was a reluctant pirate.

He's still not quite sure about the idea of playing in really cold water.

Huey mans the cannon!

Nobody was safe... not even his mother.

Cold, heartless pirate he be!

Arrggghhh!

It has a little slide too!

" Yo ho! Yo ho! A piwate's wife for me!"