I'm being followed

by Nash.  He's been playing around with the idea of crawling, and now, he's serious about it.  He knows just what to do when I leave the room, and I'm not ready for it.   Time to baby proof, again.

Liar, Liar

One of my favorite movies, now starring my own daughter!

A few weeks ago, there was an incident with Sydney and lying. I really didn't want to blog about this because it's something I don't think I want to remember in years to come. But, there are just too many funny stories building around it, so I might as well just share.

Day one:

I noticed that Nash's borrowed Bumbo had been decorated with pen (it was evident from the delicate cursive scribbles that it was Sydney's mark). I actually kept my cool, at first, and confronted Sydney.

"Did you do this?" I inquired, pointing at the graffiti.

"No." Sydney answered casually.

"Sydney, don't lie, did you do this?" I asked sternly.

"No, Mom, I didn't." She replied with more passion.

Oh, I know, I thought to myself, she doesn't understand what lying is yet, she's only 3. So, I took a brief teaching moment and explained to her what a lie is. Then, I calmly asked again, reminding her to tell me the truth,

"Syd, did you do this?"

"No, Mom" was her reply again.

"Sydney, do not lie to me, did...you...color...on...Nash's Bumbo?" I asked, starting to panic, wondering what to do next.

"No, Mom! I did NOT do that. I did...NOT...color on Nash's Bumbo!" She said with all her dramatic might.

It was at this point that I began to doubt myself.

Maybe she didn't do it, I thought. She certainly seems upset that I would dare accuse her. But, who could have done it? Did some spiteful 3 year-old come into our house, make cutsie scribbles on the Bumbo and frame Sydney?

Errrrrrrrrrt! Wake up Paige!! I silently said to myself while mentally slapping my face. I quickly had an inaudible pep talk with myself...

You know she colored on that Bumbo now get her to fess up!!!

"SYDNEY!!!" I yelled. "I KNOW YOU did this! If you do not tell me you did it right this second, you are going to sit in time out!"

The corners of her mouth started to turn up into a devious little smile. "Oooookay, Mom................I did it."

While she was slowly admitting her guilt, I was quickly trying to figure out what to do. I've never been blatantly lied to four times by a preschooler before.

So, after she received her Emmy Award, and made her acceptance speech, I forced her to wipe off the Bumbo, and then, she sat in TIME OUT! I then questioned my abilities as a parent for the rest of the day, and became even more anxious thinking about Sydney as a teenager.

Day two:

Sydney was watching a TV show and the little boy lied to his mom. I was sitting right next to her, and I said, "see Sydney we do not lie." She looked up at me and retorted,

"But, he still looks happy."

Hmmmmmmm.

Days two, three and four:

Trace prays every night that his sister will stop telling lies.

One week later:

Here is a little conversation Sydney had with Celeste, our babysitter while I'm at work:

Sydney: Celsete, sometimes I tell lies.

Celeste: Why do you do that?

Sydney after some deep thought...Because Jesus wants me to be happy.
Trace (shouting in the background) "THAT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE SENSE!"

So, there you have it. Liar liar pants on fire....but, we still love her a whole lot!

Gratitude

Since we're well into November and nearing Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share my thoughts from today (nothing too profound, don't worry). As I was in the shower this morning, alone, (a blessing in and of itself) I was thinking about how good things are right now. Things aren't perfect, they never are, but they're good. And, since I can't predict the future, and sometimes it really scares me, I've decided to do my best to "live in the moment" and enjoy how good things are right now.

I was pondering about how much I love my little family, my family family, and my in-laws. Tyler and I have been blessed with 3 healthy kids, wonderful parents and the best siblings in the world! For this, I am truly grateful.

Tyler is an attentive father and caring husband. He works hard to provide for us and then plays with us when he gets home. I love just sitting and talking with him. He rarely complains and can find the good in anything or anyone.
Trace is a pure, innocent 5 year-old who lives to please his parents. He's constantly helping me and telling me that I'm good mom. He is a great example to his younger sister and brother.

Sydney is a spunky, lively 3 year-old who fibs on occasion, but still possesses innocence. She loves treats, movies, her blanket, and her mom. She is a great sister to her two brothers.

Nash is almost 9 months old and is a joy. He has an easy going temperament, unless his siblings are tugging at his limbs. His bright blue eyes and smile light up my day.

My mom is the most patient, kind-hearted person I know. I am trying to raise my children with the same gentleness and love that she provided in our home.

My dad is an example of strength and honor. He is generous with his time, talents, and resources. He has taken us on many fun trips. He also helps me around my house whenever he visits.

My brother, Ray is a talented cook and makes us the best meals when we're together. He's lots of fun to be around and very intelligent.

My brother, Jon is a very thoughtful guy (now there's two words you rarely see coupled together...thoughtful AND guy). He also has the best sense of humor, does hilarious impressions, and can beat anyone at Nintendo (Old School). I love being around him.

My brother, Ben is a great handyman to have around. He's done countless projects for me and never expects anything in return (except maybe some food).

My MIL, Judy is the best. Whether it's sewing pillow shams, babysitting, or inviting us to dinner, she's always doing something nice for me.
My FIL, Steve is generous and a family man. He has taken us out to countless delicious dinners and is a very generous person.
My SIL, Erin is so fun to hang out with and is endlessly watching my kids for me. She is always helping someone and never complains!
My SIL, Gina is THE nicest person in the world. She took my kids for an entire day when Nash was born! She will do anything for anyone and always has kind words to say about everyone.
My SIL, Megan, is a blast to be around, she ALWAYS makes me laugh. She is also the cutest/trendiest girl I know!
My SIL, Jen is a strong, loyal woman. She is excellent at keeping in touch. She's always calling or sending us cards and pictures.
My BIL Steve has the best birthday in the world, June 14th...way to be! He's also very easy to talk to and be around.
My BIL Chris is someone who would do ANYTHING for you ANYTIME! He's good to have around when something breaks down!
My BIL Stefano is another funny one who plays with my kids and takes good care of my Megan!

Halloween Night

Here's the picture of Halloween night.  Please notice that Trace is wearing an elephant costume, AND expecting a flood.  I finally received the "larger" size of Horton at 1:00 on Halloween afternoon.  And, this costume, although still way too short and would have cut off his blood flow had I not cut all the elastic, "fit" in Trace's mind.  So wear it he did!

We had so much fun trick-or-treating with the kids.  Then half way into our treating, Meg and Stefano caught up with us and provided us with some great laughs. Stef was the deer you see in the pic and Meg, the hunter.  Stef was not afraid to go to every door with the 3 and 5 year-olds, nor would he leave the doorstep until he had a piece of candy in his paw.  Sometimes, he would dance for his candy.  Then, Megan would yell, "it's a deer!!!" and Stef would start running. HILARIOUS!!!