The List

While I was digging through Arden's baby box the other day, I came across this list; actually it was the second list of it's kind.  It makes me straight up laugh when I think that for like a week, Arden's name was going to be Hank.  Not sure why we changed it, but we did and he's definitely not a Hank, so clearly Arden was the right choice.

Enjoy the list, perhaps our future children's names are on this list...

Sweet, Sweet Childhood

I can distinctly remember when my Mom commented about a child whom we all knew to be smart; she said, "Oh, they must've watched Sesame Street that show is entertaining and teaches kids all of those basic skills. You kids always loved Sesame Street." I remember thinking, I should definitely have my kids watch Sesame Street, I want them to be smart.

Over the years though, Sesame Street got eclipsed by Barney, then Baby Einstein and that adorable little dog Blue, who was always looking for clues; and I started to think, do they even still make Sesame Street episodes?  Well yes, yes they do.  

Each morning from 6:00 to 7:00 Arden and Cullen sit wide eyed, sucking up all the PBS in all of the world and I get to sit back and think, what a sweet, sweet childhood this is.  To be so fundamentally influenced by a television show that teaches not only educational basics, but also emotional skills such as kindness, respect, love, etc. is how this show works at it's best... at it's worst, it's an Elmo headline splashed across Radaronline.  (How sad, right?)  But putting that aside, I am certain that there will be an opportunity for someone to ask my children when their older if they watched Sesame Street and before they get a chance to answer, I'm going to jump in and be like, "yes, yes they did.  Every morning from 6:00 am to 7:00 am and I find that they're pretty smart because of it, don't you?"  (And watch, those two will probably bust out some lesson they learned from Sesame Street about interrupting people or something...)

Yep, That's From My Side Of The Family

To say that my children enjoy looking at their reflections in mirrors, car windows, the oven, the fireplace doors, etc. is an understatement and they most certainly get this from my side of the family.  Collectively, we've never missed an opportunity to goof off and be able to watch ourselves while doing it.  One of the almost never-fail ways to get my kids to stop crying is to ask if they want to look at themselves in a mirror, after doing so, the tears dry up instantly and poof, I've got a happy little boy again- not to mention some pretty cute pictures of me and the boys cheesin' it up.

A Bear Break In

To say that I was kind of smitten by this scene in my kitchen the other day, is accurate.  This bear started out as property of my niece, but when Cullen saw it, he became instantly attached- much the same way that he does with chapstick, every single stick is promptly depleted by smearing it ear to ear (and then some) in about 3 minutes.  This bear has traveled around the world and every morning, there's a Bear stand off between Cullen and I; he stands at the door, clutching Bear for dear life, lower lip jutting out, begging to take him, I have no choice but tell him no.  (I know it seems heartless, but the school has a no stuffed animal policy and I can't imagine what bed time would be like if we ever forgot Bear at school.)  Bear, in some ways, has become an extension of Cullen; so it's no surprise, I guess, that Bear was left holding the bag for a failed attempt to break into the pots and pans drawer.  Poor, Bear, you're in trouble now...

Show Stoppers

The other day at the kids' Winter Concert, both of my boys stole the show; Arden because he cried through two songs and Cullen because he was rambunctiously adorable to the point of tears streaming down my face with laughter.  I will cherish these memories all my live-long day.

A little unsure, but he's trying.

Feelin' a little vulnerable, but trying' to play it cool.

Oh hey, there's my Dad!

You mean I gotta stay up here while my Dad is right over there?  

He's the cutest cup of hot chocolate to ever walk across a stage.

Space Phones, What Are They Good For

I'm so happy now that my friend Katie has a space phone iPhone, because it means I get to read messages like this.  She's a doll.

And this is Katie's response after I asked if she was going to be getting a gift for a mutual friend's 30th birthday party:

Yeah that's right, we've been rockin' a friendship since 95'; jealous much?

He's Sick... Again

Does everyone have one child that is always sick?  Arden is mine; my poor Arden, he's sick again.  I believe that he's had about 20+ ear infections over the course of the last year  (yes, he's got the tubes), he's had a few colds this year, and his second stomach "bug" of the season took him out this weekend.  I understand that having a child in any sort of care outside of my home means that there will be a greater likelihood of being sick, but this is ridiculous.

Although, in a weird way, I think he's adjusted to his constant illnesses with grace beyond his year.  This weekend, the little guy grabbed my phone and had an impromptu photo session with himself, it's that crazy?  If I were as sick as he was, I wouldn't be moving; but not him, he was working it.  You go, Arden.  Mommy loves you.

Happy New Year

I'm thoroughly looking forward to 2013.  As with every year, I'm anticipating that this one will be even better than that last; and if that's the case, then I am truly blessed and lucky to have such a wonderful family and the most fantastic group of friends.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and happy New Year.

Arden's best attempt was 9:00 pm.